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

The antique dazzler was crafted in 1938 by Cartier and comes encrusted with 203 diamonds. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026

These generally appear as white bumps or specks that encrust the stems, branches, and undersides of leaves and suck the sap. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026

Lemon spritzes complement crudos, crustacean pastas and salt-encrusted, whole fish prepared by executive chef Agostino Petrosino, who’s helping the place get up and running, and chef de cuisine Carmine Nozzolino, who’s in for the long haul. —Rebecca Kleinman, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 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