dimple

1 of 2

noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl How to pronounce dimple (audio)
1
anatomy : a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body
noticed his dimples when he smiled
2
: a depression or indentation on a surface (as of a golf ball)
dimply adjective

dimple

2 of 2

verb

dimpled; dimpling ˈdim-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dimple (audio)

transitive verb

: to mark with dimples
a baby's dimpled hands

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or form dimples

Examples of dimple in a Sentence

Noun She noticed his dimples when he smiled. the dimples on a golf ball
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
In some cases, breast cancer can cause redness or dimples on breast skin. Ashley Abramson, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024 Its even heat retention, nonstick enamel coating, and moisture-retaining dimples are second to none. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2024
Verb
Observe the bare dirt spots dimpled across the lawn. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 17 May 2024 Although more research is needed, results can last six months or more, however dimpling usually returns. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dimple 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English dympull; akin to Old High German tumphilo whirlpool, Old English dyppan to dip — more at dip

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dimple was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near dimple

Cite this Entry

“Dimple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimple. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun
dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl How to pronounce dimple (audio)
1
: a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body (as the chin)
2
: a slight hollow
the dimples on a golf ball

dimple

2 of 2 verb
dimpled; dimpling -p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dimple (audio)
: to mark with or form dimples

Medical Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun
dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl How to pronounce dimple (audio)
: a slight natural indentation or hollow in the surface of some part of the human body (as on a cheek or the chin)

dimple

2 of 2 verb
dimpled; dimpling -p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dimple (audio)

transitive verb

: to mark with dimples

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or form dimples
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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