crackling

Definition of cracklingnext
present participle of crackle
as in hissing
to make a series of short, sharp noises The logs crackled in the fire. The leaves crackled under our feet. a crackling fire

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crackling The footage later showed smoke coming from the home as the fire intensified, with sparks visible and the sound of crackling flames audible. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Go for a scenic drive, pop into an orchard for a cider tasting, and conclude your day in front of a crackling fireplace. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle Salt & Stone’s best-selling santal and vetiver scent brings the aroma of a crackling bonfire, minus the excessive smoke inhalation. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 The sets have too many doors, the scenes have a delirious number of extras and the actors yell their lines over the distracting clatter of crackling fireplaces, beeping machines and ticking clocks. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 Imagine staring up at the stars through a skylight, a mug of chamomile in hand and a fire crackling in the wood stove. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026 Take time in Amana for shopping and Wiener schnitzel, then drive on US-6 to Fireside Winery in Marengo for a glass of dry Cordovan by the crackling fire. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026 El Eden Import Distributor recalled packages of De Todito mixed with chicharrón, also known as pork crackling, that was sent to a distributor in New Jersey and retail locations in New Jersey and Utah. — James Powel, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The flames have three brightness settings and six crackling sound effects. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crackling
Verb
  • In the first week of the COVID shutdown, Holmes packed her two hissing black cats, donned an N95 mask and flew to LAX.
    — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This step is what brought us here, to Ponysaurus, filling out the online notice to the tune of a hissing compressor that kept clean air moving through the brewing system.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pink noise is softer and deeper, closer to rustling leaves or ocean waves.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That 7dBA output is practically inaudible—quieter than rustling leaves (around 20dBA) and well below the 25dBA to 30dBA ambient floor of a quiet library or nighttime bedroom.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the problem is, Miami’s offense kept sputtering most of the game.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • His Toronto Maple Leafs, on the heels of three straight first-round playoff exits, were sputtering in November with a 9-10-4 record.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crackling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crackling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on crackling

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!