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

• crispness noun
• crisply adverb

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

Ziata recommended opting for a fresh dill pickle since its crisp, savory yet light flavors pair well with sweet lemonade.

From Salon

And there was Salazar, covering every development and hero and villain with crisp columns that got better with every month.

From Los Angeles Times

"To see the moors and farmland burned to a crisp it is just devastating."

From BBC

At its core, the project captures the depths of love and heartache across 15 melancholic tracks, carried by the Mexican singer’s crisp and bold vocals.

From Los Angeles Times

Californian sunsets, perfectly decorated cakes, and lessons in how to make salt and vinegar crisps.

From BBC

Related Words

• crispy 
• crumbly 
• crusty 
• fresh 
• plump