crackle

[ krak-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, crack·led, crack·ling.

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.

verb (used with object)

, crack·led, crack·ling.

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

/ 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

noun

1. the act or sound of crackling
2. intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery
3. Also calledcrackleware porcelain or pottery so decorated

Word History and Origins

Origin of crackle¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; crack + -le

Example Sentences

A1 completed our dinner, making us feel like a bunch of Old West cowboys with full bellies falling asleep to the crackle and warmth of the fire.

From Eater

This method often results in heightened wear on engine components, but produces a symphony of crackles and pops on race tracks and rally courses.

From Popular-Science

I also noticed occasional crackles or slight feedback during calls, too.

From Popular-Science

The Studio Buds rely on a pair of beam-forming microphones to pick up your voice during calls and I experienced some crackles and imperfect audio during some long audio conferences.

From Popular-Science

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.

From Washington Post

Instead we heard the crackle of automatic gunfire and we could see gray smoke rising from the eastern side of the town.

From The Daily Beast

They sport a leathery, crackle-textured skin and glow with salt-and-pepper zest.

From The Daily Beast

In terms of charisma, the guy has all the snap, crackle, and pop of pudding.

From The Daily Beast

Then one hears the crackle of gunfire in the air, the Somali soldiers begin yelling at Carstens about his camera.

From The Daily Beast

Their scenes together crackle; theirs is a battle of wicked wits between two women who have seen it all.

From The Daily Beast

Burn the male olive-branch and the pine twig and juniper, and let the blazing laurel crackle amid the hearth.

From Project Gutenberg

But the sentence never was finished, for a sharp crackle of dry leaves was heard.

From Project Gutenberg

He had unfolded the newspaper slowly and carefully, the sharp crackle of the paper would have been a clarion call to Agnes.

From Project Gutenberg

Already below sprang a crackle, a roar, as the night wind caught the flame.

From Project Gutenberg

He could hear them crackle as she unfolded them—could hear her sigh of content.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sparkle