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crisp

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈkɹɪsp// UK //kɹˈɪsp// crisp
  1. 1 firm and brittle food (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    food that is pleasantly hard and breaks easily when you bite it.

    describing a firm, dry, and brittle texture that breaks with a sharp sound when bitten or crushed.

    Example

    The lettuce in the salad was fresh and crisp.

    Example

    To ensure the pastry remains crisp, avoid adding the fruit filling until immediately before the tart is served.
  2. 2 cold and clear weather (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    weather that is pleasantly cold, dry, and clear.

    referring to air or weather that is invigoratingly cool, dry, and clear.

    Example

    We went for a long walk on a crisp autumn morning.

    Example

    The crisp mountain air provided a welcome relief from the stifling humidity of the valley below.
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  1. 3 clear and tidy (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    clean, new, or easy to see and hear.

    characterised by clarity, sharpness of outline, or a clean, pressed appearance.

    Example

    He wore a crisp white shirt to his job interview.

    Example

    The photograph was remarkably crisp, showing every detail of the distant shoreline despite the fading light.
  2. 4 concise speech (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a way of speaking that is quick, clear, and uses few words.

    describing a style of communication that is brief, decisive, and clear without being rude.

    Example

    She gave a crisp reply and went back to her work.

    Example

    The CEO's crisp instructions left no room for ambiguity regarding the upcoming merger.
  3. 5 potato snack (n.)
    A2 Elementary British English Cooking

    a very thin, fried slice of potato eaten as a snack.

    a thin slice of potato fried or baked until brittle. In American English, these are called 'chips'.

    Example

    He bought a bag of salt and vinegar crisps from the shop.

    Example

    The pub offers a variety of artisanal crisps to accompany their selection of local ales.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'crisps'.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should be aware that 'crisp' in the UK is 'chip' in the US, while a UK 'chip' is a US 'french fry'.
    • potato chip
  4. 6 fruit dessert (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Cooking

    a dessert made of fruit baked with a crunchy topping.

    a dessert consisting of fruit baked with a crumbly topping of flour, sugar, and butter.

    Example

    We had a warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

    Example

    The recipe for rhubarb crisp requires a generous amount of oats in the topping to achieve the desired texture.
  5. 7 to make crunchy (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    to make something become hard and crunchy by cooking it.

    to make or become crisp, typically through the application of heat.

    Example

    Put the bacon under the grill for a few minutes to crisp it up.

    Example

    The chef recommended searing the duck breast skin-side down to crisp the fat before finishing it in the oven.
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