1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To be completely covered with insects, vermin, or other creatures in large numbers.
"The old kitchen was crawling with cockroaches when we first moved in."
inseparable
crawl with
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To be completely covered with or full of moving creatures, people, or things, creating an unpleasant sense of density.
In plain English
To be so full of things (usually bugs or people) that they seem to be moving all over the surface.
What does "crawl with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To be extremely crowded with people, in a way that feels overwhelming or unpleasant.
"The square was crawling with tourists snapping photos at every corner."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To crawl means to move slowly on hands and knees — if a place 'crawls with' something, it is as if the very ground is crawling because of the mass of creatures or people.
Actually means
To be so full of things (usually bugs or people) that they seem to be moving all over the surface.
Usage tip
Always used with a subject (the place or thing) + 'crawl with' + the thing covering it. Typically implies an unpleasant, overwhelming density. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "crawl with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
insects tourists ants vermin police reporters
How to conjugate "crawl with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crawl with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
crawls with
he/she/it
Past simple
crawled with
yesterday
Past participle
crawled with
have + pp
-ing form
crawling with
continuous
Hear "crawl with" in the wild
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Other ways to say "crawl with"
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