crackle

1 of 2

verb

crack·​le ˈkra-kəl 

crackled; crackling ˈkra-k(ə-)liŋ 

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

Verb

His cigar-filtered, crackling voice was singular, in his decades of interviews that were broadcast on WFMT-FM 98.7. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

The Best Presidents' Day Dell Monitor Deals For something a little speedier, this as a robust $180 price drop on an Alienware gaming display that will handle all of your favorite titles at a crackling 165Hz. —K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 17 Feb. 2025

Noun

As the best team in the Championship this season, that same crackle has been hard to find. —Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Rabanne light wash denim jackets and wide-leg jeans feature a subtle crackle laser print as well. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for crackle

• cackle
• hackle
• jackal
• shackle
• tackle
• vakil
• ramshackle
• tabernacle
• zodiacal

Kids Definition

crackle

verb

crack·​le

ˈkrak-əl

crackled; crackling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises

crackle noun