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

The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Fireworks might have additional whistling, crackling or hissing sounds. — Eva Flowe july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Noun

See the full rankings of pop, crackle and boom before sales open at noon Sunday. — Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

There’s always been a conspiratorial smokiness in their singing, a crackle of long nights and bleary mornings penetrating their drawl. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of crack entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1570, 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
• demoniacal
• ramshackle
• tabernacle
• zodiacal

Kids Definition

crackle

verb

crack·​le

ˈkrak-əl

crackled; crackling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises

crackle noun