crackle

1 of 2

verb

crack·​le ˈkra-kəl How to pronounce crackle (audio)
crackled; crackling ˈkra-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce crackle (audio)
Synonyms of cracklenext

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

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
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
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
Ooh, Charlie is delivering that crackling energy back. William Earl, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026 Molten reds and coppery tones swirl together to mimic the glow of a crackling fire. Kat Suico, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
One early example is Dancing Scorched Wood Eau de Parfum, which melds the crackle of firewood with earthy vetiver, leather, and a squeeze of citrus in its top notes. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026 Watching her character mix a jug of Kool-Aid with her bare hands, Krakowski remembers hearing the crowd crackle with laughter. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crackle

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackle was circa 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackle. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

crackle

verb
crack·​le
ˈkrak-əl
crackled; crackling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to make small sharp sudden repeated noises
crackle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on crackle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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