cranny

noun

cran·​ny ˈkra-nē How to pronounce cranny (audio)
plural crannies
Synonyms of crannynext
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 church is an old building with spires and crannies, looking like a candle that’s been left out too long to burn and melt. Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025 Paired with the smaller, circular brush head, it's meant to get into all the nooks and crannies standard brush heads can't reach. Julia Forbes, Wired News, 1 Dec. 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, 28 Nov. 2025 This unique spatula—which looks like a platypus—has a thin design and flexible head that reaches into nooks and crannies to remove every last morsel of food. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 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 20 Dec. 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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