First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1crinkle
verb crin·kle \ˈkriŋ-kəl\
: to form small, thin lines on the surface
crin·kledcrin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of CRINKLE
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
See crinkle defined for English-language learners
See crinkle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CRINKLE
Middle English crynkelen; akin to Old English cringan to yield
2crinkle
noun
: a small, thin line that appears on a surface
Full Definition of CRINKLE
1
: wrinkle, corrugation, pucker
2
: any of several virus diseases of plants marked by crinkling of leaves
— crin·kly \-k(ə-)lē\ adjective
See crinkle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRINKLE
1596
CRINKLE Defined for Kids
crinkle
verb crin·kle \ˈkriŋ-kəl\
crin·kledcrin·kling
Definition of CRINKLE for Kids
1
: to form or cause little waves or wrinkles on the surface : wrinkle
2
: 1rustle 1
Learn More About CRINKLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: crinkleawnPrevious Word in the Dictionary: crink All Words Near: crinkle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up crinkle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).