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Crackle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crackle

[ˈkræk.əl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A series of short, sharp noises, like the sound of paper or wood burning in a fire.

Synonyms

crunch, pop, snap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crackle

Use 'crackle' when describing a series of small, sharp sounds, often related to dry or brittle materials that break or fire that pops and sizzles.

  • The fire crackled as it burned the dry logs.
  • The crisp leaves crackled underfoot as she walked through the forest.
snap

Use 'snap' when describing a sudden, sharp, cracking sound, often associated with breaking something suddenly or a small object making a quick, sharp sound.

  • He snapped his fingers to get everyone's attention.
  • The twig snapped under his weight as he stepped on it.
pop

Use 'pop' when referring to a short, sharp, explosive sound, such as that made by a balloon or small object bursting or a sound made when opening something sealed.

  • The soda can popped open with a satisfying sound.
  • She added the kernels to the pan, waiting for them to pop into popcorn.
crunch

Use 'crunch' when describing the sound or act of crushing or crumpling something hard or brittle, often related to food or walking on something solid.

  • He crunched the potato chips loudly in his mouth.
  • The snow crunched under their boots as they walked through the fresh snowfall.

Examples of usage

  • The crackle of the fire filled the room.
  • I could hear the crackle of the leaves under my feet as I walked through the forest.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

To make a succession of slight sharp snapping noises.

Synonyms

crunch, pop, snap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crackle

Used to describe a series of small, sharp sounds, often associated with fire or electricity.

  • The fire crackled in the fireplace.
  • The radio started to crackle with static.
snap

Used to describe a sudden, sharp sound, often when something breaks or when fingers are clicked.

  • She heard a snap when the branch broke under her weight.
  • He snapped his fingers to get their attention.
pop

Describes a short, sharp sound, like that of a balloon bursting or opening a champagne bottle.

  • He heard a loud pop when the balloon burst.
  • The champagne bottle opened with a pop.
crunch

Often describes the sound of something being crushed or broken, commonly used with food or when walking on gravel or dry leaves.

  • She heard the crunch of the fresh snow under her boots.
  • The cereal makes a satisfying crunch when you bite into it.

Examples of usage

  • The fire crackled in the fireplace.
  • The plastic bag crackled as she squeezed it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • In nature, the crackle of a fire serves as both a warning sound for animals and an attraction for certain insects.
  • Certain species of frogs are known to make crackling noises during mating season to attract partners.
  • Dry leaves crackle as a way of communicating the presence of predators or to signal distress among plants.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'crackle' gained wider recognition with the popularity of 'Crackle', a free streaming service for movies and TV shows.
  • In music, many artists use crackling sound effects to add texture to songs or evoke nostalgia.
  • The crackle sound is often used in horror films to build suspense, suggesting something dangerous is about to happen.

Science

  • The crackle heard when you pop popcorn is due to rapid pressure changes inside the kernel as moisture turns to steam.
  • Static electricity can create a crackling sound, especially during winter months when humidity is low.
  • In physics, crackling noises are examples of complex phenomena known as self-organized criticality, seen in various natural systems.

Literature

  • In poetry, the word 'crackle' is often used to evoke imagery of warmth and comfort associated with fireside scenes.
  • Classic literature occasionally uses crackling sounds to symbolize tension or drama, enhancing the mood of a scene.
  • Authors may describe the crackling of thunder as a way to portray impending danger or the atmosphere before a storm.

Origin of 'crackle'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'crackle' comes from the Middle English word 'cracklen', meaning to make a sharp or popping sound.
  • Related words include 'crack' and 'snap', illustrating different forms of sound produced when breaking something.
  • The word 'crackle' has been used in English since at least the 15th century, reflecting sounds of fire and food.

The word 'crackle' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Middle Dutch word 'kraken' meaning 'to crack'. Over time, it evolved to describe the sound of something breaking or burning rapidly. The term has been used for centuries to depict the sharp, snapping noises associated with fire or breaking objects.

See also: crack, cracked, cracker, crackers, cracking, crackling, crackly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,950, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.