noun

crackle

KRA-kuhl

Crackle (noun) means a series of small, sharp popping or snapping sounds. Example: “The crackle of the campfire was the only sound in the night.”

noun

A series of small, sharp popping or snapping sounds.

"The crackle of the campfire was the only sound in the night."

verb

To make a series of small popping or snapping sounds.

"The bacon crackled in the pan."

"Static crackled over the old radio."

To be full of tension, energy, or emotion.

"The room crackled with excitement before the announcement."

How to use crackle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA series of small popping sounds, or figuratively, a feeling of tension or energy in the air.

Common pairings

crackle of the fire crackle with tension static crackle

Word forms

crackled past tense, crackles plural, crackles singular

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The _____ of the campfire was the only sound in the night.

Etymology

From "crack" plus the frequentative suffix -le, suggesting a repeated series of small cracking sounds.

Synonyms

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crunch crackling scranch scraunch crepitate crepitation crackleware crackle china

Related words

chew crunch bray munch crackleware crackling crepitate crepitation

Rhymes for crackle

tackle cackle shackle

See all rhymes for crackle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crackle” mean?

The word “crackle” means a series of small, sharp popping or snapping sounds. In plain terms, a series of small popping sounds, or figuratively, a feeling of tension or energy in the air.

How do you pronounce “crackle”?

“Crackle” is pronounced KRA-kuhl (/ˈkɹækəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “crackle” in a sentence?

Here is “crackle” used in a sentence: “The crackle of the campfire was the only sound in the night.”

What part of speech is “crackle”?

Depending on how it is used, “crackle” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “crackle” have?

“Crackle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a series of small, sharp popping or snapping sounds.

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