What does crest mean?
A crest is the highest point or topmost part of something that rises: the crest of a hill, the crest of a breaking wave, or the crest of a roof. The word also carries a rich figurative and symbolic weight. In heraldry, a crest is the specific device displayed above a shield, originally worn atop a knight's helmet to identify him in battle; by extension, many families, schools, and organizations speak loosely of their 'crest' to mean any official emblem. In nature, crest describes a tuft of feathers, fur, or flesh on an animal's head, such as a cockatoo's showy plume or a cardinal's pointed crown. The phrase 'on the crest of a wave' idiomatically signals being at the height of success or good fortune. Versatile and vivid, crest works equally well in literal description, symbolism, and metaphor, making it a valuable word for writers seeking precision with evocative power.
The highest part or point of a hill, wave, roof, or other rising thing; a heraldic emblem above a coat of arms; a tuft on an animal's head.
"They paused at the crest of the hill to take in the view."
In heraldic usage, 'crest' refers strictly to the device above the shield, not the entire coat of arms.
To reach the top or highest point of (a hill, rise, or wave).
"The car crested the hill and began its descent into the valley."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple tops or multiple emblems.
"The coastline is dotted with the crests of rolling dunes."
The 'crest' on your family coat of arms is technically just the bit sitting on top of the helmet — the full design is properly called an achievement of arms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crest
Crest comes from the Latin 'crista', meaning a tuft, plume, or comb — the same root behind Greek-derived words built on 'akros' (highest), such as acme and acropolis, which share the idea of topmost position. It entered English via Old French 'creste' in the medieval period, initially referring to the ornamental plume or figure worn on a knight's helmet. From this martial origin it spread naturally to describe animal combs and tufts, the tops of waves and hills, and eventually any distinguishing emblem.
Related word forms
How crest is actually used
Crest is neutral in tone and appears in both everyday and formal contexts. In heraldry it has a precise technical meaning distinct from the looser popular use meaning any family emblem. As a verb, 'to crest' is common in descriptions of walking, driving, or sailing over a rise.
Easily confused with crest
As a verb, 'crest' means to reach the top of a hill or rise, whereas the noun refers to the top itself or an heraldic emblem.