crunchy

American  

[kruhn-chee] / ˈkrʌn tʃi /

adjective

crunchier, crunchiest

1. crisp; brittle.

2. Slang. crunchy-granola.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• crunchiness
  noun
• crunchily
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of crunchy

First recorded in 1890–95; crunch + -y ¹

Explanation

When you bite into something crunchy, its brittleness makes a distinct, crisp sound. There's nothing like munching your way through a bag of crunchy potato chips. There's a delightful crispness to crunchy things, whether you're eating raw carrots, tortilla chips, or toasted almonds. While most crunchy items are edible, you can also use the word to describe things that make a similar crisp, crackling sound — think of jumping into a pile of crunchy leaves. An informal meaning, "environmentally liberal" or "hippie," comes from the phrase "crunchy granola" and the implication that nature lovers enjoy healthy foods like granola.

Example Sentences

Hilton gleefully wielded the crunchy mass with one hand as he pointed to the Original Del Taco sign with the other.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

"It's just crunchy and light and salty and briny," says Standridge.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

It’s salty, sweet and crunchy, all at once.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

A huge shipment of Nestle's crunchy KitKat chocolate bars was stolen in Europe, the brand said, warning that the heist risked causing shortages in stores right before Easter.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

I do step into the knee-high grass—if you can even call the crunchy brown stuff grass—and head around the right side of the house.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone