krewe

[ kroo ]

noun

1. (especially in New Orleans) a private social club that sponsors balls, parades, etc., as part of the Mardi Gras festivities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of krewe¹

Archaizing or fanciful spelling of crew ¹; generalized from the Mistick Krewe of Comus, the first such club, founded in New Orleans in 1857

Example Sentences

The krewe of “Bosom Buddies & Breast Friends” is one of the smaller clubs that have flourished in recent years as the weekslong pre-Lenten bash in New Orleans has evolved.

From Seattle Times

The krewe members wear meticulous costumes emblazoned with hundreds of beans.

From New York Times

New Orleans law bans sponsorships, so krewes must cover parade expenses themselves.

From Washington Post

Cantrell’s warning, in addition to potentially discouraging tourists, shocked the thousands of New Orleans residents who are members of Mardi Gras parade organizations, known as krewes.

From Washington Post

Marching bands and floats passed us, krewe members tossing MoonPies, beads, Mardi Gras doubloons and other treats to outstretched hands.

From Washington Post