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.
Only a few empty seats lingered in Empower’s nooks and crannies. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 Burke’s in-the-round staging makes use of many nooks and crannies in the intimate venue; for example, Bunny’s bed and the Old Woman’s rocking chair are tucked into gaps between the rows of seats. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 Getting into the nooks and crannies is the only way to completely eliminate them for good—this is where shaving cream comes in. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 There’s fountains, small areas to climb, and concealed nooks and crannies. Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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)

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