CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete, which are the four basic operations used in database management. These operations allow users to interact with data stored in a database. For example, when you add a new record, you are performing a Create operation. When you view or retrieve data, that is a Read operation. Updating existing information involves modifying records, which is the Update operation. Finally, removing data from the database is known as Delete. Together, these operations form the foundation for managing data in applications, making CRUD essential for developers working with databases like MySQL or MongoDB.