1 B1 idiomatic informal
To have a romantic infatuation or strong admiration for someone, often unrequited.
"Half the class is crushing on the new drama teacher."
inseparable
crush on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To have a strong, romantic infatuation with someone, usually without the feeling being mutual.
In plain English
To really like someone in a romantic way, especially when they don't know about it.
What does "crush on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To have a long-standing admiration for a celebrity or public figure.
"She has been crushing on that actor ever since she saw his first film ten years ago."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common in informal speech, especially among younger speakers. Often used with 'have a crush on' (noun form) or 'be crushing on'. Associated with young love or celebrity infatuation. Not usually used for serious adult relationships.
Words that pair with "crush on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
classmate celebrity neighbour teacher coworker stranger
How to conjugate "crush on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crush on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
crushes on
he/she/it
Past simple
crushed on
yesterday
Past participle
crushed on
have + pp
-ing form
crushing on
continuous
Hear "crush on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "crush on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "crush on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.