1 B1 idiomatic informal
To produce something in large quantities very quickly, often in a routine or mechanical way.
"The factory cranks out over five thousand units a day."
separable
crank out
B1 informal separable transitive
To produce something quickly and in large quantities, often suggesting a mechanical or routine process.
In plain English
To make a lot of something very quickly, like a machine.
What does "crank out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To write or create content rapidly and in volume, sometimes implying low quality.
"She cranks out a new blog post every single day without fail."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To produce a lot of graduates, employees, or trained people in a systematic way.
"Universities are cranking out more law graduates than the job market can absorb."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn a crank handle to produce items — like an old-fashioned machine generating output.
Actually means
To make a lot of something very quickly, like a machine.
Usage tip
Implies efficiency but often with a hint of criticism about quality or creativity. Common in journalism, publishing, and business contexts. Widely used in American English.
Words that pair with "crank out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
reports articles products songs emails graduates
How to conjugate "crank out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crank out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cranks out
he/she/it
Past simple
cranked out
yesterday
Past participle
cranked out
have + pp
-ing form
cranking out
continuous
Hear "crank out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "crank out"
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