encrust

verb

en·​crust in-ˈkrəst 

iŋ-

variants or less commonly incrust

encrusted also incrusted; encrusting also incrusting; encrusts also incrusts

transitive verb

: to cover, line, or overlay with or as if with a crust

intransitive verb

: to form a crust

Synonyms of encrust

• smear
• coat
• cake
• cover
• crust
• rime

Examples of encrust in a Sentence

refrigerator shelves that were encrusted with the residue of many spills

Recent Examples on the Web

Paton is rolling into the offseason with diamond encrusted Walmart gift card in his wallet. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026

Before work, my Volvo was fully encrusted, the door frozen shut. —Elizabeth Kelsey, Time, 26 Jan. 2026

The Simple Life alum’s gown featured a corset-style bodice encrusted with rhinestone flourishes down the front and a daring hip-high slit, which exposed her legs and a pair of sparkly silver pointy-toed stilettos. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

The high-neck lace dress featured floral motifs and was encrusted with pearls. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Latin incrustare, from in- + crusta crust

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for encrust

• adjust
• combust
• discussed
• disgust
• distrust
• entrust
• intrust
• mistrust
• nonplussed
• robust
• sawdust
• stardust

Kids Definition

encrust

verb

en·​crust

variants also incrust

in-ˈkrəst

1

: to cover with a crust

2

: to form a crust

Medical Definition

encrust

transitive verb

en·​crust

variants also incrust

in-ˈkrəst 

: to cover, line, or overlay with a crust

intransitive verb

: to form a crust