crisp

adjective

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\ ˈkrisp

crisper; crispest

Definition of crisp

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : easily crumbled : brittle a crisp cracker

b : desirably firm and crunchy crisp lettuce

2a : notably sharp, clean-cut, and clear a crisp illustration also : concise and to the point a crisp reply

b : noticeably neat crisp new clothes

c : briskly cold crisp winter weather also : fresh, invigorating crisp autumn air a crisp white wine

d : deftly and powerfully executed a crisp tennis serve

e : brisk, lively a crisp tale of intrigue crisp musical tempi

3 : curly, wavy also : having close stiff or wiry curls or waves

crisp

noun

plural crisps

Definition of crisp (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : something crisp or brittle burned to a crisp rye crisps

b chiefly British : potato chip —usually used in plural

2 : a baked dessert of fruit with crumb topping apple crisp

crisp

verb

crisped; crisping; crisps

Definition of crisp (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to make or keep crisp

2 : curl, crimp

3 : to cause to ripple : wrinkle

intransitive verb

1 : to become crisp

2 : curl

3 : ripple

Other Words from crisp Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing crisp Learn More About crisp

Choose the Right Synonym for crisp

Adjective

fragile, frangible, brittle, crisp, friable mean breaking easily. fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling. a fragile antique chair frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy. frangible stone used for paving brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness. brittle bones crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods. crisp lettuce friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized. friable soil

Examples of crisp in a Sentence

Adjective I put on a crisp shirt and tie. The stereo's sound is crisp and clear. Verb Crisp the celery in ice water.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The crisp morning air smells alive with earthy scents emanating from the damp soil, dewy ferns and towering pines. — Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 30 July 2022 Cook, stirring often, until bacon is crisp and onion is tender, about 4 minutes. — People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 30 July 2022 Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly but the peaches are still crisp. — Mackensy Lunsford, USA TODAY, 23 July 2022 Imagine my shock, then, when on a crisp 45-degree December morning, a Chrysler 300 full of young men and women materialized next to me, and the passenger-side male in the back seat loudly and cleanly spanked me. — Nick Offerman, Outside Online, 21 July 2022 In lieu of meat, the dish boasts deep flavor from a zesty vinaigrette, which when tossed with fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumber, carrots and green onions, results in a tasty mouthful. — Megha Mcswain, Chron, 18 July 2022 That powerful heat sears a crisp, browned crust onto the soft dough, leaving the inside steaming and moist. — Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 4 May 2022 On a crisp Sunday morning in February, Othello popped into his studio, which is lined with corrugated aluminum panels and located next to a railroad track. — New York Times, 17 Mar. 2022 Madewell's dress offerings are as fresh as the crisp morning air on the first day of spring. — Brittany Vincent, SELF, 16 Mar. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Laughing, always laughing—at the dickey birds hopping in the tree branches, at the urchin who was burned to a crisp by an angry mob, at the slandering neighbor woman who got turned into a neighing donkey. — Okwiri Oduor, Harper’s Magazine , 22 June 2022 This lightbulb is made specifically to provide indoor plants with their daily dose of light without burning them to a crisp. — Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 27 Apr. 2022 The commercial follows the life-long journey of one devoted Pringles fan, who gets his hand trapped at a college party while reaching for the last delicious crisp. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 13 Feb. 2022 This will ensure all your vegetables come out tender-crisp and perfectly browned. — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 17 Nov. 2021 Cook, tossing occasionally, until well browned and tender-crisp, about 10 minutes. — Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2022 The fish had been caught from a skiff on the shore of Lake Victoria and only an hour or two later dredged in flour, fried to a golden crisp in a vat of vegetable oil over a wood fire, and served to me with lime and piri-piri sauce. — Torrey Peters, Bon Appétit, 4 Jan. 2022 An air fryer is one of the fastest, easiest and least messy way of sizzling chicken wings to a crisp. — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 8 Nov. 2021 Reduced to a crisp by a March 1942 British bombing raid, the World War II–era dessert still features shriveled swirls of icing carefully applied by a baker. — David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Add 4 patties and cook, swirling pan occasionally, until well browned and crisp on first side, about 5 minutes. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 2 May 2022 That mixture is molded into a mass, until the mounds are breaded and fried to crisp, golden perfection. — New York Times, 8 June 2022 Try these easy homemade apple ginger dog treats or crisp up some apple slices to give to your pooch. — Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 July 2022 Light and crisp with the perfect balance of watermelon, rose, and Himalayan sea salt. — Hartford Courant, 17 June 2022 When a rice cake won’t crisp up properly on the stove, Hirata offers a few suggestions on how to fix the problem. — Rachel Ng, Bon Appétit, 19 May 2022 The garlic slices used to infuse the butter crisp up when cooled and add a textural crunch against the silky smooth potatoes. — Ben Mimscooking Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2022 First, slice the shallots evenly, as thinner slices will brown before thicker slices are able to crisp. — New York Times, 23 May 2022 Just bring along a paring knife and a spoon to prep the avocados, then crisp up the bread and garnish with edible leaves, like those plucked from a marigold. — Sunset Magazine, 13 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crisp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.