crackle

[ krak-uhl ]

/ ˈkræk əl /

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See synonyms for: crackle / crackling on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), crack·led, crack·ling.

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

to form a network of fine cracks on the surface.

(of ceramic glaze) to craze.

to exhibit liveliness, vibrancy, anticipation, etc.: The play crackled with wit.

verb (used with object), crack·led, crack·ling.

to cause to crackle.

to break with a crackling noise.

to craze (ceramic glaze).

noun

the act of crackling.

a crackling noise.

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

crackleware.

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Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The Sunflower State

The Evergreen State

The Magnolia State

The Mockingbird State

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Origin of crackle

First recorded in 1490–1500; crack + -le

Words nearby crackle

crackhead, crackhouse, crackie, cracking, crackjaw, crackle, crackleware, crackling, crackly, cracknel, crack of dawn

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for crackle

The shocking sequence of events leading to the explosion began before daybreak Friday morning, when residents were startled awake by the crackle of gunfire and called 911.
Nashville Police Chief says Anthony Q. Warner is a person of interest in the Christmas morning explosion|Derek Hawkins, Michael Kranish, Simone Sebastian, Meryl Kornfield|December 27, 2020|Washington Post
Instead we heard the crackle of automatic gunfire and we could see gray smoke rising from the eastern side of the town.
In the Battle for Kobani, ISIS Falls Back. But for How Long?|Jamie Dettmer|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They sport a leathery, crackle-textured skin and glow with salt-and-pepper zest.
The Texas Church of Beef|Jane & Michael Stern|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In terms of charisma, the guy has all the snap, crackle, and pop of pudding.
The Governors Who Could Beat Christie|Michelle Cottle|November 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Then one hears the crackle of gunfire in the air, the Somali soldiers begin yelling at Carstens about his camera.
In ‘The Project,’ the Stormy Battle to Take On Somali Pirates|Eli Lake|April 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Their scenes together crackle; theirs is a battle of wicked wits between two women who have seen it all.
‘Downton Abbey’ Season 3 Review: A Return to Form|Jace Lacob|January 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Burn the male olive-branch and the pine twig and juniper, and let the blazing laurel crackle amid the hearth.
The Religion of Ancient Rome|Cyril Bailey
But the sentence never was finished, for a sharp crackle of dry leaves was heard.
The Box-Car Children|Gertrude Chandler Warner
He had unfolded the newspaper slowly and carefully, the sharp crackle of the paper would have been a clarion call to Agnes.
Time Enough at Last|Lyn Venable
Already below sprang a crackle, a roar, as the night wind caught the flame.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
He could hear them crackle as she unfolded them—could hear her sigh of content.
The Girl and The Bill|Bannister Merwin

British Dictionary definitions for crackle

crackle

/ (ˈkrækəl) /

verb

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

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

(intr) to abound in vivacity or energy

noun

the act or sound of crackling

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

Also called: crackleware porcelain or pottery so decorated

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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crackle

verb (used without object), crack·led, crack·ling.

verb (used with object), crack·led, crack·ling.

noun

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Origin of crackle

Words nearby crackle

Example sentences from the Web for crackle

British Dictionary definitions for crackle

verb

noun

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

crackle

verb (used without object), crack·led, crack·ling.

verb (used with object), crack·led, crack·ling.

noun

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Origin of crackle

Words nearby crackle

Words related to crackle

Example sentences from the Web for crackle

British Dictionary definitions for crackle

verb

noun