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

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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about crisp

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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

As a result, the plants that sit atop historic structures stay lush and green during a heat wave, while the surrounding plant life becomes brown and crisp. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "A Heat Wave is Revealing Centuries-Old Sites in Wales," 11 July 2018 Stop by the casual lunch counter at Local Foods and snack on the B&L burger, made with juicy La Pryor beef, with a slice of MightyVine tomato, salty cheddar cheese and crisp greens. — Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Sandwiches, soups, salads and more: 20 ideas for what to eat for lunch," 17 May 2018 Freshness: Think freshness from crisp salad greens, crunchy green onions and perfectly ripe tomatoes when in season. — Jeanmarie Brownson, charlotteobserver, "Hungry for salad season? Citrus salads will get you through | Charlotte Observer," 17 Apr. 2018 The crisp, leafy greens are last to go on, perhaps even with a generous serving of herbs. — Bec Dickinson /, NBC News, "How to pack the perfect mason jar salad," 29 Jan. 2018 There’s nobody else in here, just me and my spongy slice — crisp crust, squishy center, cheese burbling up like browned lava. — Kara Baskin, BostonGlobe.com, "How to eat like a local in the North End," 3 July 2018 Add the asparagus and boil for 2 to 4 minutes, or until crisp tender. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Asparagus still rolling in — so many reasons to love it," 10 June 2018 With its tangy yet sweet sauce, crisp crust, and nicely proportioned toppings, the café’s flatbread is surprisingly good. — Arthur Levine, USA TODAY, "Disney’s Hawiian resort Aulani offers a melting pot of dining options," 8 June 2018 Waffle Fries The lattice pattern makes them both crisp and clingy, with just the right balance of potato and crunch for breakfast. — Julia Moskin, New York Times, "The Best Summer Fries, Ranked," 22 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Cooked, cooled, cut and crisped, grits make a compact cushion for eggs, sausage or spicy shrimp. — Leah Eskin, chicagotribune.com, "Grits cakes make crispy cushion for spicy shrimp," 9 July 2018 Lay in skins, crisp side up, and sizzle 1-2 minutes, to crisp the underside and render any clinging fat. — Leah Eskin, chicagotribune.com, "Duck subs for pork in easy carnitas tacos recipe," 23 May 2018 Cook, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the burgers crisp a little on the bottom, then turn them over and season with the remaining salt and pepper. — Jim Shahin, chicagotribune.com, "The best way to grill a burger keeps it off the grate," 26 June 2018 To the victor goes the browned and crisped layer of cheese clinging to the bottom of the skillet. — Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "El Patrón in Walker's Point is a new but familiar Mexican restaurant," 19 June 2018 The plain cake is lightly crisped with a touch of sweetness; the raised and glazed is light as a feather with excellent flavor; and the chocolate cake has just a touch of bitter cocoa. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "10 best donuts in Phoenix: I tried 400, sorry Dunkin' Donuts, you didn't make the cut," 30 May 2018 The California native took on a British accent, and his brown hair was crisped and brightened with peroxide. — Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, "‘Buffy’ vampire James Marsters comes out in the daylight for Comicpalooza," 23 May 2018 Cook, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the burgers crisp a little on the bottom, then turn them over and season with the remaining salt and pepper. — Jim Shahin, charlotteobserver, "The best way to grill a burger keeps it off the grate," 6 July 2018 Seared slices of bigeye tuna got a tasty crunch thanks to the fried bubu rice crackers (picture crisped rice) coating the outside. — Lauren Delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Urban Hibachi Sushi & Grill plates up elegant Japanese fare," 30 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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 The tart sip combined with the sudden crisp from the wine makes this a nice, complex drink. — Paula Forbes, GQ, "What to Drink With Your Burgers This Summer," 30 June 2018 On the other hand, a salmon dish was a tad chalky, cooked just past the perfect point of moistness, despite a good crisp on the skin. — Kate Washington, sacbee, "It's not flashy or splashy, but Roseville's Ciao excels at cooking classic Italian," 8 June 2018 Grease a 1 ½- to 2-quart baking dish or make individual crisps using ramekins. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Rhubarb: How to cook, store, freeze the perfect pie plant," 29 May 2018 The daily list of sweets happened to include a mixed berry crisp during a recent dinner visit. — Lindsey Mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "For breakfast (or any other meal) you can't go wrong at North End Cafe," 23 May 2018 Brett Hutto reached on an infield single to start the fourth, but he was erased on a crisp throw down to second by Mills. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Yankees finish 14-0 record with Mustang City Championship," 22 May 2018 Her dish: Papaya clafoutis with a spicy white chocolate cookie crisp, lingonberry-strawberry compote and lingongerry Greek yogurt. — Debora Britz, azcentral, "Joy Bus Diner chef wins 10K on 'Chopped,' brings attention to Phoenix cause," 28 Mar. 2018 During a live reading of the series finale in Los Angeles on Thursday, Washington wore a sequined crop top and crisp, flared white trousers. — Jordan Amchin, Vanities, "Week in Fashion: Kerry Washington Kept Olivia Pope Stylish Until the Very End," 20 Apr. 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.

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Dictionary Entries near crisp

crisis theologian

crisis theology

Phrases Related to crisp

Statistics for crisp

Last Updated

13 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for crisp

The first known use of crisp was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for crisp

crisp

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of crisp

(Entry 1 of 3)

: dry, hard, and easily broken

: pleasantly firm and making a sharp sound when chewed or crushed

: clean, smooth, and somewhat stiff

crisp

verb

English Language Learners Definition of crisp (Entry 2 of 3)

: to make (something) crisp or to become crisp

crisp

noun

English Language Learners Definition of crisp (Entry 3 of 3)

: a thin, hard, and usually salty piece of food

: a dessert made of cooked fruit with a sweet, dry topping

See the full definition for crisp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

crisp

adjective

\ˈkrisp

\

crisper; crispest

Kids Definition of crisp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : being thin, hard, and easily crumbled crisp potato chips

2 : pleasantly firm and fresh crisp celery

3 : being clear and brief a crisp reply

4 : pleasantly cool and invigorating : brisk a crisp autumn day

5 : having clear details a crisp photo

crisp

verb

crisped; crisping

Kids Definition of crisp (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make or keep something crispy or fresh

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