crackly

American

[krak-lee] / ˈkræk li /

adjective

cracklier, crackliest

apt to crackle.

Etymology

Origin of crackly

First recorded in 1600–10; crackle + -y ¹

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.

One authority reported that a "crackly phone line" had been used as a reason for an immediate permit - even though it had been known about for weeks.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

After some time in the oven, perfuming the entire house, the ham would emerge crispy and crackly on top—a perfect interplay of umami, sweetness, and spice.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

I no longer flinch at the crackly sound my hearing aids make when I first put them on in the morning.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

The home of ceramist Raina Lee includes a tree house featuring her pottery as well as a garage studio that houses her pottery wheel, kilns and her crackly volcanic glazes.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

“Hello, this is Stephanie Bergner. I’m a friend of Bijan’s from school,” the crackly voice said.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023