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
Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
Behind a service truck now, laying out salt that crackles across the windshield.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The tension between Akhtar’s coiled energy and Hoss’s elegant, pained resignation provides a good part of the show’s crackle.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crackle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
As a Pueblo squad car pulls up alongside Joe, the tension crackles: a squabble about jurisdiction, a command for Joe to respect the mask mandate.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
Behind a service truck now, laying out salt that crackles across the windshield.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
Noun
The whiskey adds a just-noticeable crackle of heat, but the cream and coffee pleasantly soothe the alcohol's sting.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The tension between Akhtar’s coiled energy and Hoss’s elegant, pained resignation provides a good part of the show’s crackle.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crackle
Cite this Entry
“Crackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackle. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share