wrinkle

1 of 2

noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

1

: a small ridge or furrow especially when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : crease

specifically : one in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue

2

a

: method, technique

b

: a change in a customary procedure or method

c

: something new or different : innovation

3

: imperfection, irregularity

wrinkly

ˈriŋ-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2

verb

wrinkled; wrinkling ˈriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles : pucker

Synonyms

Noun

• crease
• crimp
• crinkle
• furrow

Verb

• crease
• crinkle
• furrow
• rumple

Examples of wrinkle in a Sentence

Noun

Here's the latest wrinkle in the story—we find out that the villain is actually the hero's father!

He has added some new wrinkles to his game.

Verb

Moisture caused the wallpaper to wrinkle and peel.

His brow wrinkled as he thought about the question.

Try not to wrinkle your trousers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This a whole new wrinkle, there are real stakes here. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 May 2025

Chemical peels are one of the most popular in-office treatments for those who want a more radiant complexion, are looking to even out pigmentation, or hope to reduce wrinkles or acne. —Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 9 May 2025

Verb

Office-appropriate pants that feel like sweats and don’t wrinkle? —Clint Davis, People.com, 13 May 2025

His widow’s peak is perhaps the most pronounced it’s ever been; he’s got a scar on his chest suggesting surgery after a heart attack; the tighty-whities in which Husk walks around his lonely motel room are wrinkled and faded. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, back-formation from wrinkled twisted, winding, probably from Old English gewrinclod, past participle of gewrinclian to wind, from ge-, perfective prefix + -wrinclian (akin to wrencan to wrench) — more at co-

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing wrinkle

• anti-wrinkle

Rhymes for wrinkle

• crinkle
• sprinkle
• tinkle
• twinkle
• winkle
• periwinkle

Kids Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

1

: a crease or small fold on a surface (as of the skin or a piece of cloth)

2

: a clever or new method, trick, or idea

wrinkly

-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb

wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ 

: to develop or cause to develop wrinkles

Medical Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

: a small ridge or furrow in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb

wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles

wrinkled skin