1 B1 neutral
Of people: to gather and press into a space in large numbers.
"Fans crowded in through the stadium gates long before the match began."
inseparable
crowd in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To press or gather into a space in large numbers; or for thoughts and feelings to enter the mind all at once.
In plain English
When lots of people squeeze into a place, or when lots of thoughts fill your mind at the same time.
What does "crowd in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of thoughts, memories, or feelings: to enter the mind all at once in an overwhelming way.
"As she stood in her childhood bedroom, old memories began to crowd in."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A crowd moving inward into a space.
Actually means
When lots of people squeeze into a place, or when lots of thoughts fill your mind at the same time.
Usage tip
Used both literally (people entering a space) and figuratively (thoughts, memories, or emotions overwhelming the mind). The figurative sense is common in literary and introspective writing.
Words that pair with "crowd in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
people spectators memories thoughts feelings reporters
How to conjugate "crowd in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crowd in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
crowds in
he/she/it
Past simple
crowded in
yesterday
Past participle
crowded in
have + pp
-ing form
crowding in
continuous
Hear "crowd in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "crowd in"
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