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

• insane
• silly
• stupid
• crazy
• absurd
• foolish
• mad
• idiotic
• lunatic [informal]
• irrational
• looney
• whacky
• 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

Finally at 11-years-old, the once distasteful barrels had finally captured the perfect balance of rich oak and nutty flavors. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

The nutty, salty cheese pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, oil, and garlic. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025

Pecans or walnuts are sometimes added for a nutty crunch. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

The hummus is smooth and nutty, topped with herbs and a bright, grassy olive oil. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 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