cracks; cracked; cracking
1
: to break (something) so that there are lines in its surface but it is usually not separated into pieces
The hailstones were big enough to crack some windows.
He cracked his collarbone in a skiing accident.
The mirror/glass cracked when she dropped it.
A piece of the statue cracked off. [=broke off]
2
: to hit or press (something) so hard that it breaks apart or opens suddenly
Workers cracked the large rock into three pieces so it could be moved.
The bird cracked the seed on a tree branch.
a tool used for cracking nuts
He cracked open the eggs.
3
: to hit (someone or something) hard and usually suddenly
Someone cracked him over the head with a beer bottle.
The baby cracked her chin pretty hard when she fell.
He fell and cracked his elbow on/against the ice.
4
a
: to open (a bottle or can) for drinking
—usually + open
He cracked open a beer.
b
: to open (a book) for studying or reading
He hardly cracked a book his whole first semester of college.
—usually + openIt's a perfect day to relax and crack open a good book.
5
: to open (a safe) illegally without having a key, combination, etc.
Any good thief could crack this safe.
6
a
: to find an answer or solution to (something)
Scientists have cracked [=solved] an ancient mystery using new technology.
The police finally cracked [=broke] the case and arrested the murderer.
b
: to find the meaning of (a secret code)
He was able to crack [=break] the enemy's secret code.
7
: to open (something, such as a door or window) a small amount
—usually + open
She cracked open the door and peeked into the room.
8
: to cause (something) to make a sudden loud sound
When the sled dogs heard her crack the whip, they broke into a run.
His habit of cracking his knuckles bothered her.
The sled dogs are trained to run when they hear the whip crack.
9
of a voice
: to change sharply in tone or pitch especially because of strong emotion
Her voice cracked (with emotion) as she told them what had happened.
10
informal
: to tell (a joke)
The two of them crack jokes all the time. = The two of them are always cracking jokes.
11
: to lose strength or the ability to resist or fight
After hours of questioning by the police, the suspect finally cracked. [=finally told the police what they wanted to know]
—often + underHe cracked under the pressure/stress of the job.
plural cracks
1
: a thin line in the surface of something that is broken but not separated into pieces
The crack runs all the way from the top of the wall to the bottom.
an old patio with grass growing up through the cracks
The vase has a few fine cracks, but it is still usable.
—often + inThere were cracks in the ice.
There is a crack in the mirror/windshield/glass.
Grass is growing up through the cracks in the old patio.
2
: a very narrow space or opening between two things or two parts of something
I could see them through the crack in the doorway.
Light came through the cracks in the walls of the barn.
Could you please open the window a crack? [=open it slightly] It's getting hot in here.
3
: a sudden loud, sharp sound
—usually singular
We heard a loud crack as the ice broke.
The horse was frightened by the crack of the whip.
a crack of thunder
4
: a brief change in the sound of a person's voice especially because of strong emotion
—usually singular
There was a crack in her voice as she told us her story.
5
: a weakness or problem
Your theory/argument has a few cracks.
—often + inThe cracks in their relationship were becoming evident.
6
informal
: a joke or rude remark
—often + about
They're always making cracks [=wisecracks] about their teacher.
I didn't appreciate your crack about my weight.
7
: a hard and sudden hit
—usually singular
Someone gave him a crack on the head with a beer bottle.
8
informal
: an effort or attempt to do something
—usually + at
She succeeded in her first crack at writing a novel.
If he's lucky, he'll get to take a crack at (a career in) professional baseball.
Let me have a crack at it.
9
: an illegal drug that is a form of cocaine
He is addicted to crack.
They were smoking crack.
called also crack cocaine
always used before a noun
: very good : of excellent quality or ability
crack troops
The company has a crack sales force.
I hear she's become a crack shot. [=a person who is very good at shooting a gun]
Cite this Entry
“Crack.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/crack. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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