/ ˈkrækl; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
[ v ] to make short sharp sounds like sth that is burning in a fire :
A log fire crackled in the hearth.
The radio crackled into life.
( figurative )
The atmosphere crackled with tension.
■ noun
[ U , C ] a series of short sharp sounds :
the distant crackle of machine-gun fire
► crack·ly / ˈkrækli; NAmE / adjective :
She picked up the phone and heard a crackly voice saying: 'Sue here.'
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from crack + -le .