cranny

noun

cran·​ny ˈkra-nē How to pronounce cranny (audio)
plural crannies
Synonyms of crannynext
1
: a small break or slit : crevice
2
: an obscure nook or corner
crannied
ˈkra-nēd How to pronounce cranny (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of cranny

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Examples of cranny in a Sentence

We saw strange, colorful creatures in the crannies of the reef while scuba diving. We explored every cranny of the old castle.
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.
But each room is packed with nooks and crannies and knickknacks to click around on, investigate, and learn about, so there’s almost always something to dig into. — Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Aug. 2026 Because spills always seem to settle in the most inconvenient spots (like the bottom of your produce drawer), a dishwasher can help reach all the nooks and crannies that are hard to clean by hand. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026 And the swifts have adapted to live with humans, raising their young in the nooks and crannies of buildings and other structures. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 22 July 2026 As many news reports will remind you, thoroughly rinsing produce under clean, running water is recommended, especially for fruits and vegetables with nooks and crannies where dirt and contaminants may become trapped. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cranny

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crany, from Middle French cren, cran notch

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cranny was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing cranny

Rhymes for cranny

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Browse Nearby Words

crannog
cranny
cranreuch
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Cite this Entry

“Cranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cranny. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cranny

noun
cran·​ny ˈkran-ē How to pronounce cranny (audio)
plural crannies
: a small break or slit (as in a cliff)

More from Merriam-Webster on cranny

Nglish: Translation of cranny for Spanish Speakers

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