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.
And with the game’s scales tipped so far in one direction — toward players, toward equipment — the only answer for the course can be found in the greens; specifically, the smallest nooks and most inconvenient crannies of those surfaces. Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 16 May 2026 This handheld microfiber duster is designed to fit right into nooks and crannies to pick up dirt rather than just move it around. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026 During winter, mice are constantly looking for nooks and crannies to create nests to stay warm. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026 Dreamy Whipped Frosting fills all the nooks and crannies. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 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 19 May. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster