noun Uncommon

crust

kruhst

Crust (noun) means the hard outer layer of something, especially bread or the Earth. Example: “The bread had a crisp, golden crust.”

noun

The hard outer layer of something, especially bread or the Earth.

"The bread had a crisp, golden crust."

"The Earth's crust is thinnest beneath the oceans."

verb

To form or become covered with a hard outer layer.

"Snow had crusted over on the windowsill overnight."

How to use crust

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe tough outer layer on things like bread, pastry, snow, or the Earth itself.

Common pairings

crust of bread pie crust Earth's crust

Word forms

crusted past tense, crusts singular

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The bread had a crisp, golden _____.

Etymology

From Latin crusta ("hard outer covering"), the same root that gives us "crustacean" and "custard".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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rind shell coating husk

Related words

outside scale plate paint covering shell coat layer

Rhymes for crust

bust dust must rust lust just gust trust thrust

See all rhymes for 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.

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