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

Though many were faded and dusty, the assemblages nevertheless crackled with an almost urgent vibrancy, beckoning the viewer closer. —News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026

Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Noun

The crackle or buzz that high voltage power lines are known for is caused by the ionization of the air by the electric field around the conductor. —Ray Petelin, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

In the videos, glass and masonry crackle underfoot, having fallen from the walls and intricate mosaics above. —Emily Feng, NPR, 21 Mar. 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
• ramshackle
• tabernacle
• zodiacal

Kids Definition

crackle

verb

crack·​le

ˈkrak-əl

crackled; crackling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises

crackle noun