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

The rice flour adds a nutty flavor while allowing for an open crumb, making the pancake feel lighter than its viral counterparts. — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026

Sweet, salty, and nutty, these gluten-free protein bars contain organic honey, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt and feature a cookie dough-like texture. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Sherry has a nutty flavor, and balsamic vinegar adds a rich, syrupy tang to glazes. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Rich, 100% real Colombian coffee and creamy pistachio flavors blend into a smooth nutty finish. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

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