cranny

noun

cran·​ny ˈkra-nē 

plural crannies

1

: a small break or slit : crevice

2

: an obscure nook or corner

crannied

ˈkra-nēd 

adjective

Synonyms of cranny

• crevice
• fissure

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

Portaluppi, whose architectural and interior designs rose to fame during the Art Deco and Rationalist periods, was known for his improbable structures and curious nooks and crannies filled with the sort of surprises that excite one’s inner child. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

This kit makes both jobs simple with tools for cleaning up to 15-foot vents with flexible rods, specialty brushes that fit inside lint traps, and tweezers to reach into all the nooks and crannies. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

This annual festival is a love letter to the nooks and crannies of Iceland’s design scene. — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

In a video recently posted on social media, AMNH Exhibition Maintenance Janet Spiller uses a backpack vacuum with fiber pole attachments to clean all of the nooks and crannies inside the exhibit. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crany, from Middle French cren, cran notch

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cranny

• every nook and cranny

Rhymes for cranny

• canny
• fanny
• grannie
• granny
• nannie
• nanny
• tympani
• uncanny

Kids Definition

cranny

noun

cran·​ny ˈkran-ē 

plural crannies

: a small break or slit (as in a cliff)