What does crisp mean?
Crisp is a versatile English word whose core meaning is firmness combined with dryness or freshness. Most literally it describes foods with an appealing snap — crisp apples, crisp bacon, crisp lettuce. By extension it characterizes weather that is cold, clean, and invigorating, as in a crisp autumn morning. In aesthetic and technical contexts, crisp means sharply defined: crisp photographs, crisp audio, or prose so clear that every sentence lands precisely. Applied to people's speech or manner, it can suggest efficiency but also a hint of curtness, as when a manager gives a crisp answer. As a noun, 'crisp' is the standard British term for what Americans call a potato chip, while as a verb it means to heat something until it becomes crisp. The word's flexibility across senses — tactile, atmospheric, visual, verbal — makes it a favorite of writers seeking economy and vividness.
Firm, dry, and brittle in a pleasant way; fresh and cool; sharply clear or well-defined; brisk and curt in manner.
"The lettuce was still crisp after a week in the refrigerator."
Positive in most contexts; can imply curtness when describing tone.
(British) a thin slice of potato fried and eaten as a snack; (US, dated) a dessert of baked fruit with a crisp crumb topping.
"He opened a bag of salt-and-vinegar crisps."
British usage dominates; the US fruit-dessert sense is regional.
To make something crisp by heating or drying.
"Toast the bread until it crisps."
Often used reflexively in cooking contexts.
Plural refers mainly to the British snack sense; the fruit-dessert sense is usually singular ('an apple crisp').
"She bought three packets of crisps at the shop."
In British English, the word for a potato chip is 'crisp' — the snack is literally named after its most appealing quality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crisp
The word crisp comes from Latin 'crispus', meaning curled, wrinkled, or wavy. It entered English via Old English from Latin, originally referring to curly hair or a wrinkled texture before shifting to describe firmness and brittleness. Its cognates include the related adjective 'crinkled' concepts derived from the same Latin root, though many modern relatives such as 'crepe' come through French borrowings rather than direct inheritance.
Related word forms
How crisp is actually used
As an adjective, 'crisp' carries broadly positive connotations of freshness, precision, or appetizing texture. When applied to a person's tone or reply, it can shade toward curt or brusque, so context matters. The snack sense is chiefly British; American speakers say 'chips'.
Easily confused with crisp
'Cripes' is a mild exclamation of surprise, while 'crisp' describes firmness or sharpness.