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

For the return of Victoria’s Secret’s pricey and gemstone-encrusted Fantasy Bra—the first time the brand has put it on its runway since 2018—team VS needed a model who is not merely of the moment, but transcends it. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Paris Texas’ spring 2027 collection, presented in Milan, is betting big on statement wedge styles, including the Wanda encrusted with crystals and the Romy featuring a cork wedge with a galvanized gold finish. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

On their way to the Bahamas in 1940, where the duke would serve as governor, Simpson sported one of her new creations, a blazing Cartier flamingo brooch, encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, citrines, rubies, and sapphires. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

True to form, Hilton upped the ante on her latest red carpet appearance by encrusting her limbs in rhinestones. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 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