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
1
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."
"Cut the crust off the sandwich if the children won't eat it."
verb
1
To form or become covered with a hard outer layer.
"Snow had crusted over on the windowsill overnight."
"The mud crusted on his boots as it dried in the sun."
"Salt will crust around the edges of the pan if you leave it."
How to use crust
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- crusts
- Past tense
- crusted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bread had a crisp, golden _____.
Etymology
From Latin crusta ("hard outer covering"), the same root that gives us "crustacean" and "custard".
Synonyms
View more →
rind
shell
coating
husk
encrustation
gall
insolence
impudence
impertinence
incrustation
cheekiness
freshness
Related words
Rhymes for crust
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.
