Cracking

/ˈkræk.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To break or cause to break without a complete separation of parts.

The kids were cracking open nuts for the pie.

To make a sudden sharp noise; to cause to make such a noise.

The branches were cracking under the weight of the snow.

To escape or crack a difficult problem or code.

The secret agent was praised for cracking the enemy's encryption.

adjective

Excellent or outstanding; used informally.

That was a cracking good performance at the concert!

Very funny; hilarious.

The comedian had a cracking sense of humor.

Derived from Middle English 'crac(c)en', of uncertain origin.

cracking up

To laugh uncontrollably.

cracking a joke

To tell a joke.

cracking under pressure

To give way or break down under stress.

crack

To break something open.

crackling

A series of small, sharp sounds.

Extremely cool or impressive.

That party was cracking!

To be very fun or entertaining.

We had a cracking time at the festival.