View synonyms for

crackle

[ krak-uhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

crackled, crackling.

to make slight, sudden, sharp noises, rapidly repeated.
to form a network of fine cracks on the surface.
(of ceramic glaze) to craze.
to exhibit liveliness, vibrancy, anticipation, etc.:
The play crackled with wit.

verb (used with object)

crackled, crackling.

to cause to crackle.
to break with a crackling noise.
to craze (ceramic glaze).

noun

the act of crackling.
a crackling noise.
a network of fine cracks, as in the glaze of some kinds of porcelain.
crackleware.

crackle

/ ˈ��æ��ə�� /

verb

to make or cause to make a series of slight sharp noises, as of paper being crushed or of a wood fire burning
tr to decorate (porcelain or pottery) by causing a fine network of cracks to appear in the glaze
intr to abound in vivacity or energy

noun

the act or sound of crackling
intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery
Also calledcrackleware porcelain or pottery so decorated

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Word History and Origins

Origin of crackle¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; crack + -le

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But there's a moment just before the curtain rises, when the stage is still, the lights dim, and there's a silence that crackles with a mixture of tension and anticipation.

From

These ingredients don’t just sweeten—they caramelize, forming that coveted glossy, crackly crust.

From

On Tuesday afternoon, the spring heat crackled over a near-empty Hollywood Bowl.

From

Steve, a businessman, had been on the final stretch of a 14-hour flight from Singapore to London when the speaker system crackled to life.

From

As the fireworks crackled, the tinsel fell and the lap of honour snaked around the vast stadium, it felt like the beginning of something.

From

Related Words

sparkle

crackjaw crackleware

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