adjective

crisp

/krɪsp/ · say it: KRISP

firm, fresh, and brittle

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) dry and firm, breaking easily into small pieces

2. (adjective) cold and fresh

3. (adjective) clear and sharp; easy to see or hear

4. (noun) a thin, dry snack made from fried potatoes

Examples

1. The cookies were crisp and delicious.
2. We enjoyed a crisp autumn morning.
3. The photo has crisp details.

How to use crisp

Crisp is a versatile adjective used to describe textures that are dry and break easily, weather that is cool and invigorating, or sensory experiences that are sharp and clear. In British English, 'crisp' as a noun refers to potato chips. The adjective carries positive connotations of freshness, clarity, and quality, making it popular in descriptive writing and marketing.

Common phrases

crisp air
crisp autumn morning
crisp sound
crisp image
eat a crisp
crisp exterior

Synonyms

brittle · crunchy · crispy · snappy · fresh

Opposites

soggy · soft · blurry

Word family

crisply (adverb) · crispness (noun) · crispy (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'crisp' with 'crispy'; both are acceptable adjectives, but 'crispy' is slightly more informal and colloquial, while 'crisp' is more standard and versatile across different senses.

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