crackle

American  

[krak-uhl] / ˈkræk əl /

verb (used without object)

crackled, crackling

1. to make slight, sudden, sharp noises, rapidly repeated.

2. to form a network of fine cracks on the surface.

3. (of ceramic glaze) to craze.

4. to exhibit liveliness, vibrancy, anticipation, etc..

   The play crackled with wit.

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verb (used with object)

crackled, crackling

1. to cause to crackle.

2. to break with a crackling noise.

3. to craze (ceramic glaze).

noun

1. the act of crackling.

2. a crackling noise.

3. a network of fine cracks, as in the glaze of some kinds of porcelain.

4. crackleware.

crackle British  

/ ˈkrækəl /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a series of slight sharp noises, as of paper being crushed or of a wood fire burning

2. (tr) to decorate (porcelain or pottery) by causing a fine network of cracks to appear in the glaze

3. (intr) to abound in vivacity or energy

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noun

1. the act or sound of crackling

2. intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery

3. Also called: crackleware.  porcelain or pottery so decorated

Etymology

Origin of crackle

First recorded in 1490–1500; crack + -le

Explanation

To crackle is to make short, sharp cracking noises. A roaring fire in your wood stove crackles as it burns. Fires crackle, as small branches pop and snap from the heat, and a voice over an intercom might crackle with static. You could also describe the sound of your feet on dried leaves and branches as you walk through the woods as a crackle. A visual crackle, as opposed to one you hear, appears as tiny cracks in the surface: "I like that crackle effect on your table."

Example Sentences

The show used to have a sports trivia spinoff that could be found on Crackle, an online streaming service that never quite took off.

From New York Times • May 14, 2024

Now owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc., Crackle has expanded beyond the anime for which it was originally known.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2023

Parry Headrick founded Massachusetts public relations business Crackle.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2023

Freevee is intended as Amazon’s competition for services like Pluto TV, Crackle, and Tubi.

From Washington Times • Apr. 13, 2022

Near Silence fell after they was passed, the Silence of the Grass & the Sky; & in that Silence, there was a distant Crackle.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• sparkle