crust
12 synonyms for crust, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The hard outer layer of something, especially bread or the Earth.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use crust
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
crust of bread
pie crust
Earth's crust
Etymology
From Latin crusta ("hard outer covering"), the same root that gives us "crustacean" and "custard".
Full origin of crust →Frequently asked questions
What does “crust” mean?
The word “crust” means the hard outer layer of something, especially bread or the Earth. In plain terms, the tough outer layer on things like bread, pastry, snow, or the Earth itself.
How do you pronounce “crust”?
“Crust” is pronounced kruhst (/kɹʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “crust” in a sentence?
Here is “crust” used in a sentence: “The bread had a crisp, golden crust.”
What part of speech is “crust”?
Depending on how it is used, “crust” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “crust” come from?
The word “crust” comes from Latin. From Latin crusta ("hard outer covering"), the same root that gives us "crustacean" and "custard".
Is “crust” a common word?
“Crust” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “crust” have?
“Crust” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the hard outer layer of something, especially bread or the Earth.
What is the difference between crust and shell?
Crust refers to a hard outer layer, especially of bread or the Earth, and it typically forms naturally or through baking. A shell is usually a rigid, often removable outer covering, such as that of an egg or a nut, and the two terms are not fully interchangeable outside of food contexts.
Can crust be used as a verb?
Yes, crust can be used as a verb meaning to form or become covered with a hard outer layer, as in snow that crusts over after freezing.
What is the crust of bread?
The crust of bread is its hard outer layer, distinct from the softer interior. It forms during baking as the surface dries out and browns.
