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

And that flavor combined with the sweet, crisp vegetables and nutty, herby notes that made every bite a satisfying contrast, with the dressing adding a zing that tied it all together. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025

Your family or guests will enjoy the fragrant spices, nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture of the sweet treat, but the purple color, which is similar to that of blueberries, will be the real conversation starter. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 25 Oct. 2025

Almond butter is known for its rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness; and its texture can range from silky to slightly gritty, depending on how long it's been ground. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Together, the apples and fennel become a nutty duo, more than the sum of their parts. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 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