crisp

adjective

\ ˈkrisp

crisper; crispest

Definition of crisp

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

2a : easily crumbled : brittle a crisp cracker

b : desirably firm and crunchy crisp lettuce

3a : 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 : brisk, lively a crisp tale of intrigue crisp musical tempi

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

e : deftly and powerfully executed a crisp tennis serve

crisp

verb

crisped; crisping; crisps

Definition of crisp (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : curl, crimp

2 : to cause to ripple : wrinkle

3 : to make or keep crisp

intransitive verb

1 : curl

2 : ripple

3 : to become crisp

crisp

noun

Definition of crisp (Entry 3 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

Other Words from crisp Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about crisp

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Synonyms for crisp

Synonyms: Adjective

brickle [dialect], brittle, crispy, crumbly, embrittled, flaky (also flakey), friable, short

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

Tomatoes are as sweet as candy, stone fruit is dripping with juice, cucumbers are crisp as can be, and there are too many varieties of peppers to count. — Bon Appétit, "27 Summer Recipes That Couldn’t Be Simpler," 15 July 2019 White Claw has earned its status as the industry leader; flavors are crisp and tidy. — Josh Noel, chicagotribune.com, "What’s the best hard seltzer? The worst? Is it a fad? We have answers.," 2 July 2019 That dynamic was on display Thursday in the Democratic debate as Biden’s presentation of his policies on education, taxes and immigration was not always as crisp as his rivals. — Mike Memoli, NBC News, "Biden doesn't let attacks go unchallenged," 28 June 2019 Oppo vice president Shen Yiren, who also goes by Brian, lamented twice on his Weibo social media account that the images taken by the camera aren't as crisp and clear as those taken by a protruding camera. — Shannon Liao, CNN, "This Chinese smartphone company found a creative place to put the selfie camera," 26 June 2019 Bake 30 minutes more or until skin is crisp, thighs are no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. — Ann Maloney, nola.com, "The thighs have it! Chicken pieces keep juicy flavor," 25 June 2019 Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes total, until its fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp, turning it over halfway through. — Bonnie S. Benwick, The Denver Post, "This deserves to be your summer’s go-to bacon salad," 17 June 2019 The Lord of the Rings Brady was as crisp as ever, completing well over 70 percent of his throws (unofficially, of course) in competitive situations and, as always, spreading the wealth. — Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, "Jerod Mayo’s impressive return, and other minicamp takeaways," 11 June 2019 Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes total, until its fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp, turning it over halfway through. — Washington Post, "This deserves to be your summer’s go-to bacon salad," 11 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This recipe pairs that dressing and crisped bacon with orzo, a popular choice for the pasta salads of summer. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "This deserves to be your summer’s go-to bacon salad," 19 June 2019 This recipe pairs that dressing and crisped bacon with orzo, a popular choice for the pasta salads of summer. — Bonnie S. Benwick, The Denver Post, "This deserves to be your summer’s go-to bacon salad," 17 June 2019 This recipe pairs that dressing and crisped bacon with orzo, a popular choice for the pasta salads of summer. — Washington Post, "This deserves to be your summer’s go-to bacon salad," 11 June 2019 On a recent visit, horsehead snapper was buttery with perfectly crisped skin. — Melinda Joe, Condé Nast Traveler, "34 Best Restaurants in Tokyo," 2 Mar. 2018 The really basic, white stuff, crisped on the outside and fluffy on the inside. — Alex Delany, Bon Appetit, "A Rent Week Egg Salad Recipe for Anyone with Bills," 19 Feb. 2018 Other people respond to crisp sounds, gentle movements, or personal attention via role-playing scenarios, such as a video artist pretending to give you a head massage. — Karen Pallarito, Health.com, "How Does ASMR Work? The Science Behind Those Brain-Tingling Sounds," 6 June 2019 So talented chef de cuisine Lindsay McClain, who produced an overall outstanding meal, more than compensated by crisping her flavorful rice on the plancha to a tawny crunch for a soccarat that got stealthily slipped into the bottom of the pan. — Michael Klein, Philly.com, "Let's Eat: Pizza landmark comes to Bucks," 21 Mar. 2018 The salt also helps to draw out moisture, which is an obstacle that may prevent skin from crisping. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "How to Cook Perfectly Crispy Chicken Thighs Every Time," 25 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Institute for Public Policy Research, a leftish think-tank, recently called for more food taxes and for sweets, crisps and soft drinks to be sold in plain packets, as cigarettes already are. — The Economist, "Boris Johnson may reverse Britain’s embrace of sin taxes," 4 July 2019 In the good-news department, Sutherland has entered the Minnesota burger scene with his own cheesy, double-pattied-for-extra-crisp-and-flavor version that squarely lands in my top 10. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, "Ox Cart’s new format offers playful food, sweet drinks and a good time," 6 June 2019 Start with Tartara di Tonno, made from fresh Florida tuna, avocado mousse, rhubarb gel and a squid-ink crisp. — Holly V. Kapherr, USA TODAY, "7 romantic ways to reconnect in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades," 4 June 2019 During his testimony before the Senate in April, Zuckerberg marked the occasion by wearing an uncharacteristic crisp suit. — Rebecca Jennings, Vox, "11 pieces of clothing that explain 2018," 20 Dec. 2018 Her crisp, all-white ensemble featured a figure-hugging blazer with a bedazzled lapel, a button-down shirt fastened all the way to the collar, and a dramatic pair of flowy, wide-legged culottes that pooled around the actor’s feet. — Andrea Park, Allure, "Blake Lively's Low Ponytail Perfectly Complements Her Sharp White Suit at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards," 21 Aug. 2018 Menu: 1 celery root soup, 1 fine lettuces salad, 1 South Gate burger, 1 warm-bacon frisée salad, 1 warm apple crisp, 2 coffees. — Fox, Town & Country, "A Table for Mr. Fox," 21 Nov. 2012 For extra-crisp, golden skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking time. — Multiple Authors, House Beautiful, "Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Sage," 1 Sep. 2010 Kissed with heat and honey, and finished with a cheesy crisp, these babies are made marvelous with a few simple tricks. — Mallorie Sullivan, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July food: Here are 9 last-minute recipes your guests will love," 3 July 2018

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.