crank

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If electricity fails, the bunker's ventilation system can be operated manually using a hand crank — much like in vintage cars.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Though Americans crank up the thermostat every winter, price increases for electricity and gas utility bills were not as sharp at the same point last year.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

This is not to defend Goetz, a crank from whom even the National Rifle Association backed away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

So let’s crank up Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album and take a ride down memory lane, shall we?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Turning the switch key, I pulled out the choke as Papa motioned big Loomis to turn the crank.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns