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

• insane
• silly
• stupid
• crazy
• absurd
• foolish
• mad
• idiotic
• lunatic [informal]
• irrational
• looney
• whacky
• 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

Pumpkin seed oil is known for its rich, nutty taste. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Oct. 2025

Next, while the Negroni calls upon the voluptuous fruit, herbs, and (sometimes) vanilla from sweet vermouth, the Remember the Alimony uses the far more austere fino sherry, nutty and bone dry, as its fortified wine component. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025

Delicata squash has a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that's wonderful as an alternative to a more evergreen side dish like roasted sweet potatoes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

This soup is creamy, slightly nutty, and gives an energizing kick thanks to the fresh ginger. —Essence, 4 Oct. 2025

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