crackpot

noun

crack·​pot ˈkrak-ˌpät How to pronounce crackpot (audio)
plural crackpots
: one given to eccentric or wildly foolish notions
crackpot adjective

Examples of crackpot in a Sentence

Some crackpot in a clown suit is out there directing traffic. everyone is tolerant of the town crackpot, a man who never hurt anyone
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Of course, centuries of bizarre medical solutions have proven that a small volume of patients can seemingly recover from almost any condition regardless of whatever crackpot solution is administered. New Atlas, 22 Feb. 2025 Bobby Kennedy and his crackpot ideas will do great harm to Americans. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025 The outfit has been populated with some of the worst crackpots and conspiracy theorists, and its anti-Western orientation is matched only by its reliable antisemitism. The Editors, National Review, 9 Jan. 2025 Lucius becomes a slave and is in the charge of crafty Macrinus, and soon becomes entertainment for the masses and two dangerously crackpot twin Roman emperors — Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for crackpot

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackpot was in 1883

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crackpot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackpot. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

crackpot

noun
crack·​pot ˈkrak-ˌpät How to pronounce crackpot (audio)
: a very eccentric or strange person
crackpot adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on crackpot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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