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

The Bottom Line Butternut squash is an extremely popular winter squash due to its sweet, nutty flavor. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Nov. 2025

The healthy fats and protein help stabilize blood sugar and keep you full, while the mild, nutty flavor plays well with both sweet and savory foods. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025

Browning the butter adds a nutty flavoring. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025

The weight of the cabbage and nutty-zingy dressing feel more at home on the Thanksgiving plate—almost like a side dish—than the standard greens and vinaigrette. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 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