crunchy

American  

[kruhn-chee] / ˈkrʌn tʃi /

adjective

• crunchier,
  comparative
• crunchiest
  superlative

1. crisp; brittle.

2. Slang. crunchy-granola.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• crunchiness
  noun
• crunchily
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• crunchier
  comparative
• crunchiest
  superlative

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

See Examples For:

crunchy crunchier crunchiest

This is a story about AI and chips, but not AI chips—think saltier, a little more crunchy, lower price tag.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

Taylor Farms also expanded its produce offerings this year, launching a protein-forward line with whey protein in its dressings and dips, along with more cheese and crunchy toppings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

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

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026

It’s salty, sweet and crunchy, all at once.

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2026

No bowls of crunchy noodles and orange goop, either.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead

Throughout the Middle East - where fresh, thin flatbreads dry out even faster than foccacia - there’s a greener, crunchier cousin of panzanella: fattoush.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

“It’s certainly not Mozart. It’s more contemporary and plays with crunchier chords. We’re playing with a bit more chromaticism and distorting the rhythm.”

From Seattle Times ● May 23, 2023

The mustard coating also means you could dip the meat or mushrooms in breadcrumbs instead of flour, for a crunchier exterior.

From Washington Post ● May 12, 2022

SkyFlakes are firmer and much crunchier than the delicate saltines that usually turn up with Mexican shrimp cocktails, and they stay crisp even after a brief soaking.

From New York Times ● Oct. 18, 2021

And because it had gotten warmer outside, the snow had become crunchier and wetter: good packing snow.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio

The crunchiest — while remaining easy to bite — was the chocolate swirled into fairly complicated spirals.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 5, 2022

Its inclusion turns the salad into the crunchiest in memory.

From Washington Post ● May 29, 2022

Then I discovered the key to low-fuss granola: Make it in the air fryer, which turns out morsels that exceed even my crunchiest dreams.

From Washington Post ● May 4, 2022

If you are looking for the best French fries in Los Angeles, the ones here are pretty close, cooked in a complex multi-step process that makes them all the crunchiest ones on the plate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2017

Back then, the crunchiest health food store in my hometown was the only place where you could find wheat-free products.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2015