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.
Paris Texas’ spring 2027 collection, presented in Milan, is betting big on statement wedge styles, including the Wanda encrusted with crystals and the Romy featuring a cork wedge with a galvanized gold finish. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 On their way to the Bahamas in 1940, where the duke would serve as governor, Simpson sported one of her new creations, a blazing Cartier flamingo brooch, encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, citrines, rubies, and sapphires. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 True to form, Hilton upped the ante on her latest red carpet appearance by encrusting her limbs in rhinestones. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 Inside the Imam Hussein shrine, pilgrims in men's and women's sections press against the gold and silver-encrusted latticework around the spot where he was killed, many striking their foreheads in grief. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 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

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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 14 Oct. 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
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