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.
Eliza decked herself in emeralds, while Amelia modeled a set encrusted with sapphires. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 1 July 2026 The Seahawks ring, large as a child’s fist, is encrusted with 20 carats of white diamonds and blue sapphires. — Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Stoppard lived a quintessentially English life, albeit encrusted with celebrity, set apart from them by maternal design. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Go with buttery scallops or fresh grouper encrusted in coconut for your entrée or opt for some sushi, like the sunset roll—tuna, avocado, octopus, shrimp tempura, and a spicy soy sauce. — Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 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 7 Jul. 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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