nutty

adjective

nut·​ty ˈnə-tē 

nuttier; nuttiest

1

: having or producing nuts

nutty trees

2

: having a flavor like that of nuts

a nutty sauce

3

: eccentric, silly

a nutty professor

nutty ideas

also, sometimes offensive : mentally unsound

nuttily

ˈnə-tə-lē 

adverb

… the movie is so nuttily untethered to any semblance of reality that it's almost enjoyable.

—Elisabeth Vincentelli

nuttiness noun

The menu includes dishes like a rich pecan soup whose nuttiness is offset by chipotle chilies and tomatoes.

—Matt Lee et al.

It's not just Marlon Brando's nuttiness that makes this special—it's the gusto with which he wallows in his own nuttiness.

—Karen Schoemer

Synonyms of nutty

• insane
• silly
• stupid
• crazy
• foolish
• absurd
• mad
• idiotic
• lunatic
• irrational
• loony
• zany
• wacky

Examples of nutty in a Sentence

candy with a nutty taste

the only other prisoner in the dungeon was a nutty soul who feasted on bugs

Recent Examples on the Web

This Friendly Farms Almond Nog is full of flavorful spices, with the almond adding a warm and nutty flavor. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025

Top oatmeal, fruit salad, and French toast with a dash of nutmeg for a burst of nutty, sweet flavor. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025

With notes of nutty, earthy cocoa flavor this new product creates a warm, soothing sip for colder seasons that’s perfect for fire-side sipping and holiday rush prep. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

These Cheddar cheese biscuits have a rich, savory flavor dominated by the sharp tang of Cheddar and the nutty notes of Parmesan, balanced by a subtle buttery sweetness. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for nutty

• cutty
• putty

Kids Definition

nutty

adjective

nut·​ty ˈnət-ē 

nuttier; nuttiest

1

: containing or suggesting nuts (as in flavor)

2

: not showing good sense

also, sometimes offensive : mentally unbalanced

nuttiness noun