[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/cramp/)

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# cramp

noun (a cramp, cramps; cramp — uncountable in UK); verb (cramp, cramps, cramped, cramping)

«cramp» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A cramp is a sudden, painful tightening of a muscle, often in the leg or foot. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#m1)
2. Cramps are pains in the stomach. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#m2)
3. To cramp means to stop someone moving or acting freely: cramp your style. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#m3)

### In the lessons

In PE and swimming lessons, pupils learn that cramp can happen when muscles are tired; stretching gently and drinking water help. In everyday life, writing for a long time can give you a cramp in your hand. Phrases: get cramp, leg cramp, stomach cramps, cramped (crowded).

### Examples

- I got cramp in my leg during the race. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x1)
- Stretch your leg to ease the cramp. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x2)
- My hand had a cramp after writing so much. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x3)
- She had stomach cramps after eating too fast. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x4)
- A cramp in the water can be dangerous, so swim near the shore. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x5)
- The small car felt cramped with five people in it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x6)
- Even where he was, Shere Khan’s shoulders and forepaws were cramped for want of room, as a man’s would be if he tried to fight in a barrel. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/#x7)

### Note

In the UK people often say I've got cramp (uncountable); in the USA, I have a cramp (countable). Adjective cramped means too small and crowded. Myth: you don't have to wait an hour after eating before swimming, but a big meal can make you uncomfortable.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «cramp» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/cramp/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«cramp» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/cramp.html) on Mova free.