cranny

[ kran-ee ]

noun

, plural cran·nies.

1. a small, narrow opening in a wall, rock, etc.; chink; crevice; fissure:

   They searched every nook and cranny for the missing ring.

2. a small out-of-the-way place or obscure corner; nook.

cranny

/ ˈkrænɪ /

noun

1. a narrow opening, as in a wall or rock face; chink; crevice (esp in the phrase every nook and cranny )

Derived Forms

• ˈcrannied, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cranny¹

1400–50; late Middle English crany, perhaps < Middle French crené, past participle of crener to notch, groove; crenel

Word History and Origins

Origin of cranny¹

C15: from Old French cran notch, fissure; compare crenel

Idioms and Phrases

see nook and cranny .

Example Sentences

"They'll be hiding in any nook and cranny to go to sleep during the day."

From BBC

“They have bused, flown, trained illegal immigrants to literally every nook and cranny and every tiny town in the whole of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

Just when we thought the show was done, the room went dark, techno boomed through every nook and cranny and the lighting turned a wash of red.

From Los Angeles Times

I have so many books, but never enough shelves, so I have books everywhere — piled up on tables, chairs, running along window sills, books in every available nook and cranny.

From New York Times

The store is cozy inside, thanks to the books in every nook and cranny.

From Literature