crinkle

1 of 2

verb

crin·​kle ˈkriŋ-kəl 

crinkled; crinkling ˈkriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to form many short bends or ripples

b

: wrinkle

2

: to give forth a thin crackling sound : rustle

crinkling silks

transitive verb

: to cause to crinkle : make crinkles in

crinkle

2 of 2

noun

1

: wrinkle, corrugation, pucker

2

: any of several virus diseases of plants marked by crinkling of leaves

crinkly

ˈkriŋ-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• rustle

Noun

• crease
• crimp
• furrow
• wrinkle

Examples of crinkle in a Sentence

Verb

The corners of his eyes crinkle when he smiles.

a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

Noun

little crinkles at the corners of his mouth showed whenever he smiled

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The jacket features two-way stretch for mobility and makes minimal noise on the run—there’s no annoying swoosh-swoosh or crinkling sound with every arm swing. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 20 Nov. 2024

Philadelphia Flyers fans of a certain age are permitted to shake their heads and crinkle their noses when they’re reminded of the details. —Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 10 July 2024

Noun

The twinkle in his dark-brown eyes and the familiar crinkle of his dimple, disrupted by his scar, sent a rush of butterflies to her stomach. —EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024

They're mostly known for smash burgers, hot dogs, and crinkle fries. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English crynkelen; akin to Old English cringan to yield

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crinkle

1 of 2 verb

crin·​kle ˈkriŋ-kəl 

crinkled; crinkling -k(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to form or cause little waves or wrinkles on the surface

2

: rustle entry 1 sense 1

crinkle

2 of 2 noun

: wrinkle entry 1 sense 1, ripple

crinkly

-k(ə-)lē 

adjective