1 : a long stick with a padded piece at the top that fits under a person’s arm — usually plural

• Note: People who have difficulty walking often use crutches to help them walk.
• He’s able to walk short distances with crutches but prefers his wheelchair.
• I was on crutches for six weeks after I broke my leg.

2 usually disapproving : something that a person uses too much for help or support

• She eventually realized that alcohol had become a crutch.