cranny

American  

[kran-ee] / ˈkræn i /

noun

plural

crannies

1. a small, narrow opening in a wall, rock, etc.; chink; crevice; fissure.

   They searched every nook and cranny for the missing ring.

2. a small out-of-the-way place or obscure corner; nook.

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cranny British  

/ ˈkrænɪ /

noun

1. a narrow opening, as in a wall or rock face; chink; crevice (esp in the phrase every nook and cranny )

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cranny Idioms  

1. see nook and cranny.

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Other Word Forms

• crannied adjective

Etymology

Origin of cranny

1400–50; late Middle English crany, perhaps < Middle French crené, past participle of crener to notch, groove; crenel

Example Sentences

A few customers place their unwanted wares in shopping bags, which they hide in the nooks and crannies beside their houses.

From The Wall Street Journal

It continues: “The cottage exudes old world charm with wooden walls, built-in bookshelves, a window with diamond mullions, and many nooks and crannies while still offering modern amenities for today’s living.”

From MarketWatch

Inspired by cinema setpieces and centuries-old European cottages, architects designed playful homes with turrets and gables on the outside and nooks and crannies on the inside.

From Los Angeles Times

Two anxious servants armed with feather dusters were already on their third inspection of every nook and cranny of the room.

From Literature

"Full of little nooks and crannies where they can roost, big open flight spaces, dry spaces inside, away from the rain, where they can fly around. It is really just an absolutely perfect environment."

From BBC