A crew is a group of people who work together on a specific task or job, especially one that requires teamwork and coordination. On a ship, the crew includes everyone from the captain to the sailors who handle the ropes and sails. An airplane crew consists of pilots and flight attendants working together to transport passengers safely. A film crew might include camera operators, sound technicians, lighting specialists, and dozens of other people collaborating to make a movie.

What makes a crew different from just any group? A crew works as a coordinated team toward a shared goal, often with different people handling specialized roles that fit together like puzzle pieces. A rowing crew pulls their oars in perfect rhythm. A construction crew builds a house with some people framing walls while others install plumbing. The word suggests people who depend on each other and take pride in working well together.

In casual conversation, crew can simply mean your group of friends: “I'm meeting up with my crew after school.” Some sports teams, particularly rowing teams, are called crew.