crackle
Americanverb (used without object)
-
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)
-
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.
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
Etymology
Origin of crackle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We go inside people’s private dreams that are shot like old filmstrips and deteriorate with a snap, crackle and pop.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026
The show, a touring tutorial he created and performs solo, allows Page the opportunity to animate with barnstorming crackle a rogue’s gallery of Shakespearean scoundrels.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026
Some are sensory: noticing textures, nailing a bread-crust crackle, assembling a playlist that carries you through chopping and stirring.
From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025
Through heavy static, barely audible answers crackle over from a crew member, who gradually lists the ship's insurance details, flag state and last port of call – Suez, Egypt.
From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025
Ravenous, they ate and drank, and for a while there was silence but for the crackle of the fire, the clink of goblets, and the sound of chewing.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
