encrust

verb

en·​crust in-ˈkrəst How to pronounce encrust (audio)
iŋ-
variants or less commonly incrust
encrusted also incrusted; encrusting also incrusting; encrusts also incrusts
Synonyms of encrustnext

transitive verb

: to cover, line, or overlay with or as if with a crust

intransitive verb

: to form a crust

Synonyms of encrust

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Examples of encrust in a Sentence

refrigerator shelves that were encrusted with the residue of many spills
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As cities race to figure out to handle this growing plague encrusting bridges and landmarks, one town has found a solution through art. — Ash Bhardwaj, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 The fan guards in the walk-in cooler was encrusted with residue. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 There were also issues with wastewater disposal, damaged floors, and pots and pans encrusted with food debris and grease deposits. — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Worth $324,000, it’s encrusted with over 100 stones, according to People. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encrust

Word History

Etymology

probably from Latin incrustare, from in- + crusta crust

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of encrust was in 1596

Rhymes for encrust

See All Rhymes for encrust

Browse Nearby Words

encroach
encrust
encrustant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encrust. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

encrust

verb
en·​crust
variants also incrust
in-ˈkrəst
1
: to cover with a crust
2
: to form a crust

Medical Definition

encrust

transitive verb
en·​crust
variants also incrust
in-ˈkrəst How to pronounce encrust (audio)
: to cover, line, or overlay with a crust

intransitive verb

: to form a crust

More from Merriam-Webster on encrust

Nglish: Translation of encrust for Spanish Speakers

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