crunchy

American  

[kruhn-chee] / ˈkrʌn tʃi /

adjective

crunchier, crunchiest

1. crisp; brittle.

2. Slang. crunchy-granola.

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Other Word Forms

• crunchily
  adverb
• crunchiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of crunchy

First recorded in 1890–95; crunch + -y ¹

Explanation

When you bite into something crunchy, its brittleness makes a distinct, crisp sound. There's nothing like munching your way through a bag of crunchy potato chips. There's a delightful crispness to crunchy things, whether you're eating raw carrots, tortilla chips, or toasted almonds. While most crunchy items are edible, you can also use the word to describe things that make a similar crisp, crackling sound — think of jumping into a pile of crunchy leaves. An informal meaning, "environmentally liberal" or "hippie," comes from the phrase "crunchy granola" and the implication that nature lovers enjoy healthy foods like granola.

Example Sentences

Hilton gleefully wielded the crunchy mass with one hand as he pointed to the Original Del Taco sign with the other.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

"It's just crunchy and light and salty and briny," says Standridge.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

A huge shipment of Nestle's crunchy KitKat chocolate bars was stolen in Europe, the brand said, warning that the heist risked causing shortages in stores right before Easter.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

The trick to turning one deli run into multiple dinners is simple and nearly foolproof: one creamy, one crunchy, one briny or fresh.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

This time my question was quieter, less crunchy.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx