To cry means to shed tears, usually because of strong emotions. You might cry when you're sad, hurt, or scared, but people also cry from joy, frustration, or even laughter. When a baby cries, it's their way of communicating that they need something: food, comfort, or a diaper change.

Crying is a natural human response that helps release intense feelings. After a good cry, many people feel calmer and more able to think clearly. There's no shame in crying: everyone does it, from athletes after winning championships to scientists when breakthroughs finally work.

The word also means to call out loudly or shout. A street vendor might cry out their wares, announcing “Fresh bread!” to attract customers. In older stories, you might read about a town crier who would cry the news in the village square before newspapers existed. When someone tells you “Don't cry wolf,” they're warning you not to raise false alarms, from an old tale about a shepherd boy who kept crying “Wolf!” when there was no danger.

You can also cry for something, meaning to demand or need it urgently: “This old bicycle is crying out for some oil and a new paint job.”