intransitive verb crackled -·led, crackling -·ling

1. to make a succession of slight, sharp, popping sounds, as of dry wood burning
2. to be bursting with energy and vivacity
3. to develop a finely cracked surface

Etymology: ME crakelen, freq. of craken, crack

transitive verb

1. to crush or break with cracking sounds
2. to produce a finely cracked surface on

noun

1. a succession of cracking sounds
2. vivacity; animation
3. 1. the fine, irregular surface cracks on some pottery, porcelain, etc.
   2. craquelure (sense )
4. crackleware