crimp

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈkrimp 

crimped; crimping; crimps

transitive verb

1

: to cause to become wavy, bent, or pinched: such as

a

: to form (leather) into a desired shape

b

: to give (synthetic fibers) a curl or wave like that of natural fibers

c

: to pinch or press together (something, such as the margins of a pie crust) in order to seal

2

: to be an inhibiting or restraining influence on : cramp

sales had been crimped by credit controls

—Time

crimper

ˈkrim-pər 

noun

crimp

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

: something produced by or as if by crimping: such as

a

: a section of hair artificially waved or curled

b

: a succession of waves (as in wool fiber)

c

: a bend or crease formed in something

2

: something that cramps or inhibits : restraint, curb

crimp

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a person who entraps or forces men into shipping as sailors or into enlisting in an army or navy

crimp

4 of 4

verb (2)

crimped; crimping; crimps

transitive verb

: to trap into military or sea service : impress

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• crease
• crinkle
• furrow
• wrinkle

Examples of crimp in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a small crimp in the dollar bill prevented it from being accepted by the bill changer

made a tiny little crimp in the corner of the Queen of Spades

the strike could put a real crimp in the production schedule

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

High rates aren’t great for companies with already high high debt, and crimps borrowing by companies and consumers. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024

Fold over the edges and create a rustic crimp about 2 inches wide around the entire circumference of the dough (if the dough gets too warm and becomes difficult to handle, refrigerate it for 15 minutes). —The View, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024

Verb

The country’s oil exports, crimped if not crippled by U.S. sanctions, have plummeted, falling twenty-five per cent short of Tehran’s official budgetary needs. —Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024

The only possible crimp in that came when three shows in Vienna had to be canceled due to safety concerns after terrorist plans were revealed, but the tour managed to cross $2 billion even ending with three concerts fewer than expected. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Dutch or Low German krimpen to shrivel; akin to Middle Dutch crampe hook, cramp

Noun (2)

perhaps from crimp entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1718, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1789, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing crimp

• put a crimp in

Kids Definition

crimp

1 of 2 verb

ˈkrimp 

1

: to make wavy or bent

2

: to pinch or press together

crimp the edges of a pie crust

crimp

2 of 2 noun

1

: something produced by or as if by crimping

2

: something that holds back