# crack /ˈkɹæk/ (US) · /kɹˈæk/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crack Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. a physical break noun · CEFR B1 a thin line on the surface of something that is starting to break. For teachers: a narrow opening or fissure formed by the parting of a solid substance. - There is a small crack in the window, so we should be careful not to touch it. - The structural engineer identified a hairline crack in the foundation that suggested the building was settling unevenly. ### 2. a sharp sound noun · CEFR B2 a sudden, loud, and short noise. For teachers: a sudden, sharp, and explosive acoustic effect. - The loud crack of thunder made everyone jump. - The silence of the woods was shattered by the sharp crack of a dry branch snapping underfoot. ### 3. an attempt noun · CEFR B2 · Informal a try or an attempt at doing something. For teachers: an attempt or try at a particular activity, often used with the verb 'have' or 'take'. - I've never played this game before, but I'll have a crack at it. - Despite her lack of experience in marketing, she decided to take a crack at designing the new campaign herself. Usage: Usually appears in the phrases 'have a crack at' or 'take a crack at'. ### 4. fun or conversation noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Dialect fun, entertainment, or good conversation with friends. For teachers: social interaction characterized by fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation. - We went to the pub for the music and the great crack. - The evening was full of good crack, with stories and laughter lasting well into the night. Teaching tip: This sense is specifically associated with Irish and Northern English culture; it is often spelled 'craic' in an Irish context. ### 5. to break slightly verb · CEFR B1 to break something just enough that thin lines appear on the surface. For teachers: to cause a fissure to appear in a solid object without complete separation of the parts. - The heat caused the old stone walls to crack. - If you pour boiling water into a cold glass, the sudden temperature change will likely crack it. ### 6. to solve verb · CEFR B2 to find the answer to a very difficult problem or code. For teachers: to find a solution to a complex problem or to decipher a code or security system. - It took the team three weeks to crack the secret code. - Detectives finally managed to crack the case after a new witness came forward with crucial information. ### 7. to yield under pressure verb · CEFR B2 to lose control or give up because of too much stress or questioning. For teachers: to suffer a mental or physical breakdown, or to yield under intense psychological pressure or interrogation. - The suspect started to crack after hours of questioning by the police. - Under the immense pressure of the championship final, the young athlete finally began to crack. ### 8. to tell a joke verb · CEFR B2 to say something funny or tell a joke. For teachers: to utter a witty or humorous remark, typically used with 'joke' or 'smile'. - He is always cracking jokes to make people feel better. - Even in the middle of a crisis, she managed to crack a smile and keep the team's spirits up. Usage: Commonly used in the collocations 'crack a joke' or 'crack a smile'. ### 9. to open slightly verb · CEFR B2 to open a door or window just a little bit. For teachers: to open a door, window, or lid a small amount. - Could you crack the window a bit to let some fresh air in? - He cracked the door open just enough to peer into the hallway without being seen. ### 10. highly skilled adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal describing a person or team that is the best and very well trained. For teachers: possessing great skill, agility, or excellence; typically used to describe elite military or professional units. - The government sent in a crack team of experts to handle the emergency. - A crack squad of paratroopers was deployed to secure the airfield before the main force arrived. Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies. ## Examples - There is a small crack in the window. - After the earthquake, he found a long crack running up the wall of his living room. - The antique vase was almost perfect, its value diminished only by a hairline crack near the base, visible only upon close inspection. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.