crackled; crackling
ˈkra-k(ə-)liŋ 
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
: to crush or crack with snapping noises
cracklingly
adverb
1
a
: the noise of repeated small cracks or reports
b
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
Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
This is outstanding living room music—like a modern, Mid-Atlantic take on Japanese environmental music, meant to crackle gloriously in the background of mundane life.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Between hanging art from local photographers and painters, rotating pop-up art classes, and the warm crackle of live music or spinning vinyl records, the space feels like the city’s most welcoming living room.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crackle
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Verb
The native of Roi Et, a small village in Northeast Thailand, learned to cook from her mother and great-grandmother and carries forth their legacy with pungent pad ka pow and succulent roast chicken with crackling skin.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
This is outstanding living room music—like a modern, Mid-Atlantic take on Japanese environmental music, meant to crackle gloriously in the background of mundane life.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
The cake’s exterior is cloaked in smooth buttercream icing that clings to the fork, while the generous dusting of coconut flakes adds a gentle crackle with each mouthful.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Between hanging art from local photographers and painters, rotating pop-up art classes, and the warm crackle of live music or spinning vinyl records, the space feels like the city’s most welcoming living room.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crackle
Cite this Entry
“Crackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackle. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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