crackle

1 of 2

verb

crack·​le ˈkra-kəl How to pronounce crackle (audio)
crackled; crackling ˈkra-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce crackle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
the fire crackles on the hearth
b
: to show animation : sparkle
the essays crackle with wit
2

transitive verb

: to crush or crack with snapping noises
cracklingly adverb

crackle

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the noise of repeated small cracks or reports
2
: a network of fine cracks on an otherwise smooth surface

Examples of crackle in a Sentence

Verb The logs crackled in the fire. The leaves crackled under our feet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
His home seemed safe, but Matsuura gestured at flames that still crackled less than 50 yards away. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 While the goal is a roast done to your liking — tender, juicy and flavorful — on the inside, the outside should be nicely seasoned with a well-browned nearly crackling outer crust. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
Advertisement Just up the hill, the crackle of flames punctuated the low hum of engines and flowing water. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 Use painters tape on the floor to show the size and scale of furnishings to help give you a feel of the pacing of the room and how easily guests will be able to carry on a conversation even above the crackle of a roaring fireplace. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crackle 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of crack entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackle was circa 1560

Dictionary Entries Near crackle

Cite this Entry

“Crackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackle. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

crackle

verb
crack·​le
ˈkrak-əl
crackled; crackling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
crackle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on crackle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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