# crunchy

/ˈkɹəntʃi/ (US) · /kɹˈʌntʃi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crunchy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

describing music that has a rough, distorted, or heavy sound. You use this when the sound feels sharp and powerful rather than smooth.

For teachers: characterised by a gritty, distorted, or harmonically dense texture, particularly in electronic or rock music. Often used to describe guitar tones or synthesiser patches with high gain or bit-crushing effects.

## Examples

- The guitar has a really crunchy sound on this track.
- The producer added some distortion to the bassline to give it a crunchy, aggressive feel that cuts through the mix.
- While the verses remain melodic and clean, the chorus erupts with crunchy power chords that provide a stark, visceral contrast to the earlier atmospheric sections.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'sound' or 'feel'.

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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.