English · Word Candidate

cracking

/ˈkɹækɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: crackings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The formation of cracks on a surface.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

That cracks; that produces a sharp sound as of something splitting or breaking.

Adjective

From the spot where the body lay came a fierce fizzing and cracking sound, which ceased, however, before the fumes had cleared away.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Great; excellent.

AdjectiveRegister: colloquial

Near-synonym: crackerjack

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “cracking” mean?

The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.

Is “cracking” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.