nutty

adjective

nut·​ty ˈnə-tē 

nuttier; nuttiest

1

: having or producing nuts

nutty trees

2

: having a flavor like that of nuts

a nutty sauce

3

: eccentric, silly

a nutty professor

nutty ideas

also, sometimes offensive : mentally unsound

nuttily

ˈnə-tə-lē 

adverb

… the movie is so nuttily untethered to any semblance of reality that it's almost enjoyable.

—Elisabeth Vincentelli

nuttiness noun

The menu includes dishes like a rich pecan soup whose nuttiness is offset by chipotle chilies and tomatoes.

—Matt Lee et al.

It's not just Marlon Brando's nuttiness that makes this special—it's the gusto with which he wallows in his own nuttiness.

—Karen Schoemer

Synonyms of nutty

• insane
• silly
• stupid
• crazy
• foolish
• absurd
• mad
• idiotic
• lunatic
• irrational
• loony
• zany
• wacky

Examples of nutty in a Sentence

candy with a nutty taste

the only other prisoner in the dungeon was a nutty soul who feasted on bugs

Recent Examples on the Web

Ube, a staple in Hawaii, brings a vibrant purple to the beverage along with a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

One editor tasted a nutty flavor and thought this could be a good choice for topping a chocolate cupcake, as the rich chocolate would contrast the sweetness of the vanilla. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Authentic sherry vinegar from Spain has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is less acidic than other vinegars. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

Flavor-wise, ube has a natural sweetness while taro has a more earthy and nutty yet slightly sweet taste. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for nutty

• cutty
• putty

Kids Definition

nutty

adjective

nut·​ty ˈnət-ē 

nuttier; nuttiest

1

: containing or suggesting nuts (as in flavor)

2

: not showing good sense

also, sometimes offensive : mentally unbalanced

nuttiness noun