1
: a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
2
: a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse compare writer's cramp
3
a
: sharp abdominal pain
—usually used in plural
b
: persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea
—usually used in plural
cramped; cramping; cramps
: to be affected with cramps
1
: hard to understand or figure out
cramp law terms
cramp handwriting
2
: being cramped
a cramp corner
Synonyms
Examples of cramp in a Sentence
Noun (1)
I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg
Noun (2)
an antismoking ordinance that was seen as just another cramp on business by bar owners
Verb
Writing for such a long time may cramp your hand.
His leg was cramping so badly he could hardly move it.
The new regulations may cramp the company's financial growth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Even in less extreme circumstances, heat can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024
Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 2 Nov. 2024
Magnesium: Supplemental magnesium can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Almost 70% had a 50% reduction in cramp intensity.1
Because this was a small study, more data is needed before magnesium bisglycinate can be routinely recommended for leg cramps.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cramp 
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Noun
Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Even in less extreme circumstances, heat can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
Similarly, Asus told us that users found the Ally's 512GB solid-state drive cramped.
—Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 2 Nov. 2024
Magnesium: Supplemental magnesium can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Definition: Leg cramps are a specific type of muscle cramp.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Almost 70% had a 50% reduction in cramp intensity.1
Because this was a small study, more data is needed before magnesium bisglycinate can be routinely recommended for leg cramps.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cramp
Dictionary Entries Near cramp
Cite this Entry
“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cramp. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
cramp
1 of 2 noun1
: a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
a cramp in the leg
2
: a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse see writer's cramp
3
a
: sharp abdominal pain
—usually used in plural
b
: persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea
—usually used in plural
cramp
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps
gout cramping his limbs
: to suffer from cramps
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