scrunch

1 of 2

verb

ˈskrənch 

ˈskru̇nch

scrunched; scrunching; scrunches

transitive verb

1

: crunch, crush

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple

—often used with up

c

: to cause (something, such as one's features) to draw together

—usually used with up

intransitive verb

1

: to move with or make a crunching sound

2

: crouch, hunch

also : squeeze

scrunch

2 of 2

noun

: a crunching sound

Synonyms

Verb

• crinkle
• crumple
• rumple
• wrinkle

Examples of scrunch in a Sentence

Verb

I scrunched down in the chair.

I scrunched the fabric in my hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Poppy is only 13 pounds and can easily fit under the seat in front of us, but my first service dog, Bobbi, was a 65-pound Pit Bull mix, and scrunching herself under the seat for eight- to 10-hour flights was uncomfortable. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024

Editor tip: For extra volume, scrunch the balm into damp curls and use a diffuser to lock in the bounce without weighing your hair down. —Erin Parker, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024

Noun

The brand is known for its scrunch ballet flat style, which is offered in a collection of classic and bold colors. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023

But the same compression material that gives leggings their scrunch, helps keep their shape, and enhances your performance by boosting blood flow to your lower body can have some not-so-flattering side effects. —Lindsay Geller, Women's Health, 7 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of crunch entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch

1

a

: crunch entry 1 sense 1, crush

scrunch a paper cup

b

: to make or move with a crunching sound

cinders scrunching underfoot

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple sense 1

scrunch up a piece of paper

c

: to cause (as one's facial features) to draw together

scrunched up his nose

3

: crouch, hunch