crater

/ˈkɹeɪ.tə(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: craters · cratering · cratered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The basin-like opening or mouth of a volcano, through which the chief eruption comes; similarly, the mouth of a geyser, about which a cone of silica is often built up.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To form craters in a surface.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To collapse catastrophically; to become devastated or completely destroyed.

Verb

Examples

Yup, John McCain said to me the economy “is about to crater.” You folks worried about the economy? Whoo! Not me.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “crater” mean?

A hemispherical pit created by the impact of a meteorite or other object.

Is “crater” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.