cranny

noun

cran·​ny ˈkra-nē How to pronounce cranny (audio)
plural crannies
1
: a small break or slit : crevice
2
: an obscure nook or corner
crannied adjective

Examples of cranny in a Sentence

We saw strange, colorful creatures in the crannies of the reef while scuba diving. We explored every cranny of the old castle.
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.
The entire inside of the fridge should receive a monthly wipe down, while a more thorough deep clean should take place twice a year where the drawers and shelves are removed to get all the nooks and crannies. Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025 This cleaner even has the ability to transform into a handheld vacuum to reach up high in nooks and crannies. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025 Now, outside their natural habitat, the beetles turn to the nooks and crannies of modern homes and structures for winter hibernation. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Don't stop with just empty corners in your home—fill other nooks and crannies with books, too. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cranny

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crany, from Middle French cren, cran notch

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cranny was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cranny. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

cranny

noun
cran·​ny ˈkran-ē How to pronounce cranny (audio)
plural crannies
: a small break or slit (as in a cliff)

More from Merriam-Webster on cranny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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