crackle

1 of 2

verb

crack·​le ˈkra-kəl How to pronounce crackle (audio)
crackled; crackling ˈkra-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce crackle (audio)
Synonyms of cracklenext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
the fire crackles on the hearth
b
: to show animation : sparkle
the essays crackle with wit
2
: craze sense intransitive 2

transitive verb

: to crush or crack with snapping noises
cracklingly adverb

crackle

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: the noise of repeated small cracks or reports
b
: sparkle, effervescence
2
: a network of fine cracks on an otherwise smooth surface

Examples of crackle in a Sentence

Verb The logs crackled in the fire. The leaves crackled under our feet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Her work is often the same, crackling with energy, honesty, and a sprinkle of absurdity. — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 There has yet to be that feral feeling at Elland Road this season, that crackling undercurrent of Leeds United against the world. — Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
But then there was a crackle that sounded like gunfire. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025 Sade Adu’s voice is the first to break through the intro’s staticky crackle while slick drums kick in. — Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crackle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of crack entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackle was circa 1560

Rhymes for crackle

See All Rhymes for crackle

Browse Nearby Words

crackjaw
crackle
crackless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

crackle

verb
crack·​le
ˈkrak-əl
crackled; crackling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
crackle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on crackle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for crackle

Nglish: Translation of crackle for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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