crisp

[krisp]

adjective

crisper, crispest 

1. (especially of food) hard but easily breakable; brittle.

   crisp toast.

2. (especially of food) firm and fresh; not soft or wilted.

   a crisp leaf of lettuce.

3. brisk; sharp; clear; decided.

   a crisp reply.

4. lively; pithy; sparkling.

   crisp repartee.

5. clean-cut, neat, and well-pressed; well-groomed.

6. invigorating; bracing.

   crisp air.

   Synonyms: nippy, fresh, brisk

7. crinkled, wrinkled, or rippled, as skin or water.

8. in small, stiff, or firm curls; curly.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become crisp.

2. to curl.

noun

1. Chiefly British.,  potato chip.

2. Cooking.,  a dessert of fruit, as apples or apricots, baked with a crunchy mixture, usually of breadcrumbs, chopped nutmeats, butter, and brown sugar.

crisp

/ krɪsp /

adjective

1. dry and brittle

2. fresh and firm

   crisp lettuce

3. invigorating or bracing

   a crisp breeze

4. clear; sharp

   crisp reasoning

5. lively or stimulating

   crisp conversation

6. clean and orderly; neat

   a crisp appearance

7. concise and pithy; terse

   a crisp reply

8. wrinkled or curly

   crisp hair

verb

1. to make or become crisp

noun

1. a very thin slice of potato fried and eaten cold as a snack

2. something that is crisp

Other Word Forms

• crisply adverb
• crispness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisp¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English, from Latin crispus “curled”

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisp¹

Old English, from Latin crispus curled, uneven, wrinkled

Idioms and Phrases

see burn to a cinder (crisp).

Example Sentences

Between the harrowing tales of former residents, beautifully crisp weather and options for intergenerational fun, this won’t be a town you want to miss on your next fall trip.

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The resulting crumbs were fried in olive oil with ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan until crisp.

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It’s a crisp night in the rugged mountains above Los Angeles following the first rains of fall.

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The judge observed that Sussberg was wearing a “crisp white shirt.”

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The sticks are soft and gelatinous with a slight crisp from their outer layers — simply put, a textural masterpiece.

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Related Words

• crispy 
• crumbly 
• crusty 
• fresh 
• plump