Cram
/kræm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fill a space tightly; to stuff.
/kræm/
To stuff tightly; pack
I crammed all the books onto the shelf.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to close a suitcase that's overflowing! You're *cramming* everything in, trying to make it fit, even if it's a tight squeeze. It's like eating too much food quickly, too!
👶 For kids: To push a lot of things into a small space.
More Examples
They crammed the car with luggage for their trip.
The students crammed for the exam all night.
How It's Used
"He crammed his suitcase with clothes."
"She crammed the sandwich into her mouth."
To study intensely, usually at the last minute, before a test or exam.
/kræm/
To study intensively just before an exam.
I need to cram for the history exam.
💡 Simply: When you *cram* for a test, you're trying to learn a lot of information in a short amount of time. It's like trying to eat a whole pizza right before you have to go somewhere – a lot of effort in a hurry!
👶 For kids: To study a lot right before a test.
More Examples
He spent the entire evening cramming for the quiz.
Cramming is not always the best way to learn, but it helps in the short term.
How It's Used
"She crammed for the test last night."
"Students often cram before final exams."
Idioms & expressions
cram school
A school that focuses on intensive instruction to prepare students for an exam.
"Many students attend cram schools before their university entrance exams."
From Middle English *crammen*, from Old English *crammian* ('to stuff, press'). Related to German *krammen* and Dutch *krammen* with the same meaning.
The word 'cram' has been used since the 14th century, originally with the sense of forcing or pressing something.
Memory tip
Think of cramming as forcing things into a space that's already full.