crayon

[ krey-on, -uhn ]

noun

1. a pointed stick or pencil of colored clay, chalk, wax, etc., used for drawing or coloring.
2. a drawing in crayons.

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or color with a crayon or crayons.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a drawing with crayons.

crayon

/ ˈkreɪən; -ɒn /

noun

1. a small stick or pencil of charcoal, wax, clay, or chalk mixed with coloured pigment
2. a drawing made with crayons

verb

1. to draw or colour with crayons

Derived Forms

• ˈcrayonist, noun

Other Words From

• crayon·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crayon¹

1635–45; < French, equivalent to craie chalk (< Latin crēta clay, chalk) + -on noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of crayon¹

C17: from French, from craie, from Latin crēta chalk

Example Sentences

An abandoned jigsaw puzzle was unfinished at the dining room table, and children’s drawings and a note in red crayon wishing for a “wonderful life” clung to the refrigerator.

From Los Angeles Times

Sony’s “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” adapted from the children’s book of the same name, earned a disappointing $6 million, placing sixth.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll take out my own purple crayon and attempt to magic a coherent film review into existence out of this profoundly odd and offputting film.

From Los Angeles Times

We know the story and the iconography: a toddler in a onesie who uses his imagination and a purple crayon to make his world more exciting.

From Los Angeles Times

The only actor committed to the heart of “Harold and the Purple Crayon” is young Bottani as Mel, because children more sincerely buy into the transformative power of imagination.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pastel