Crater

Quick meaning: Crater is a noun meaning (astronomy) A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.

Meaning

(astronomy) A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.

More Meanings

1. The pit left by the explosion of a mine or bomb.
2. (informal, by extension) Any large, roughly circular depression or hole.
3. To form craters in a surface.
4. (figurative) To collapse catastrophically; to become devastated or completely destroyed.
5. (snowboarding) To crash or fall.
6. (geology) The basin-like opening or mouth of a volcano, through which the chief eruption comes; similarly, the mouth of a geyser, about which a cone of silica is often built up.
7. (historical) Alternative spelling of krater (“vessel for mixing water and wine”).

Example Sentences

He cratered into that snow bank about five seconds after his first lesson.

But analysts don’t see Mr. Trump’s support cratering over Venezuela anytime soon.

Yup, John McCain said to me the economy “is about to crater.” You folks worried about the economy? Whoo! Not me.

Uber said on Thursday that its ride-hailing business had cratered in the second quarter as people traveled less in the pandemic.

Word Forms

• craters
• cratering
• cratered

Synonyms for crater

Depending on context, synonyms include astrobleme, implode, tank, vent, volcano.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include volcano, vent, hole, pit, mouth, verge.

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