crease

1 of 2

noun

ˈkrēs 

1

: a line, mark, or ridge made by or as if by folding a pliable substance

2

: a specially marked area in various sports

especially : an area surrounding or in front of a goal (as in lacrosse or hockey)

creaseless

ˈkrēs-ləs 

adjective

crease

2 of 2

verb

creased; creasing

transitive verb

1

: to make a crease in or on : wrinkle

a smile creased her face

2

: to wound slightly especially by grazing

creased by a bullet

intransitive verb

: to become creased

creaser noun

Synonyms

Noun

• crimp
• crinkle
• furrow
• wrinkle

Verb

• crinkle
• furrow
• rumple
• wrinkle

Examples of crease in a Sentence

Noun

He ironed his pants to make the creases sharp.

a crease in the paper

tiny creases at the corners of his eyes

Players from the opposing team may not enter the crease.

The batsman moved out of the crease.

Verb

a neatly creased pair of pants

The pages of the book were stained and creased.

She looked up, her face creasing into a smile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the team is rocking a pretty inexperienced crease that has had its fair share of struggles, so adding Binnington’s experience could help this year even if the Flyers can’t defy the odds and reach the postseason. —Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

The Kraken challenged for goaltender interference, saying Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues, who was pushed into the goalie crease by Seattle defenseman Josh Mahura, impeded Daccord’s ability to play his position. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2025

Verb

To finish off the eyes with a glossy lid, McGrath used her Lust Lip Gloss in shades Peach Perversion and Flesh Astral for shine that doesn’t lift or crease. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025

The old woman, though, stares at the screen, the shadow of a smile curled into her lips and a frown barely creasing her forehead. —Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably alteration of earlier creaste, from Middle English creste crest

First Known Use

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing crease

• pre-crease
• the crease

Rhymes for crease

• cease
• fleece
• gees
• geese
• grease
• grece
• lease
• leese
• niece
• piece
• prese
• seis

Kids Definition

crease

1 of 2 noun

ˈkrēs 

1

: a line or mark made by or as if by folding or wrinkling

2

: a specially marked area around the goal in various sports (as hockey or lacrosse)

crease

2 of 2 verb

creased; creasing

1

: to make a crease in or on

2

: to become creased

Medical Definition

crease

1 of 2 noun

ˈkrēs 

: a line or mark made by or as if by folding a pliable substance (as the skin)

crease

2 of 2 verb

creased; creasing

transitive verb

: to make a crease in or on

aging had creased her face

intransitive verb

: to become creased