crisper; crispest
1
a
: easily crumbled : brittle
a crisp cracker
b
: desirably firm and crunchy
crisp lettuce
2
a
: notably sharp, clean-cut, and clear
a crisp illustration
also
: concise and to the point
a crisp reply
b
: noticeably neat
crisp new clothes
c
: briskly cold
crisp winter weather
d
: deftly and powerfully executed
a crisp tennis serve
crisply
adverb
crispness
noun
plural crisps
1
a
: something crisp or brittle
burned to a crisp
rye crisps
b
chiefly British
: potato chip
—usually used in plural
2
: a baked dessert of fruit with crumb topping
apple crisp
crisped; crisping; crisps
Examples of crisp in a Sentence
Adjective
I put on a crisp shirt and tie.
The stereo's sound is crisp and clear.
Verb
Crisp the celery in ice water.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
Ask for extra refrigerator pickles on the side, which are crisp, refreshing, and singularly spicy.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Here, though, the drummer Damion Reid joins Lehman, Turner and the bassist Matt Brewer in playing the written material, while stirring in bits of crisp, driving groove, adding a subtle shimmy to Braxton’s staccato lines.
—Hank Shteamer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
Unlike standard toaster ovens, both air fryer ovens and basket-style air fryers rely on a combination of high heat and convection (moving hot air around with a fan) to crisp up your food.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crisp
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Adjective
The overall audio quality doesn't disappoint either with deep bass and crisp highs.
—Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
Ask for extra refrigerator pickles on the side, which are crisp, refreshing, and singularly spicy.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
Noun
From cheesy crisps and protein popcorn to breakfast bars full of nut butter and oats, this list has something for everyone.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Here, though, the drummer Damion Reid joins Lehman, Turner and the bassist Matt Brewer in playing the written material, while stirring in bits of crisp, driving groove, adding a subtle shimmy to Braxton’s staccato lines.
—Hank Shteamer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
Toss with some of the reduced basting juices, and then grill or broil at high heat until the meat begins to crisp and caramelize.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
Unlike standard toaster ovens, both air fryer ovens and basket-style air fryers rely on a combination of high heat and convection (moving hot air around with a fan) to crisp up your food.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crisp
Cite this Entry
“Crisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crisp. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
crisp
1 of 3 adjective1
a
: being thin and hard and easily crumbled
crisp crackers
b
: pleasantly firm and crunchy
crisp lettuce
2
a
: having sharp distinct outlines
a crisp illustration
b
: being clear and brief
a crisp reply
c
: fresh and neat
a crisp housedress
d
: being quick and lively
a crisp performance
a crisp tale of adventure
3
: pleasantly cool and invigorating
a crisp autumn day
crisply
adverb
crispness
noun
crisp
2 of 3 verb
: to make or become crisp
crisper
noun
crisp
3 of 3 noun
: something crisp or brittle
burned to a crisp
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