First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1wrinkle
noun wrin·kle \ˈriŋ-kəl\
: a small line or fold that appears on your skin as you grow older
: a small fold in the surface of clothing, paper, etc.
: a surprising or unexpected occurrence in a story or series of events
Full Definition of WRINKLE
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
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Origin of WRINKLE
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-
2wrinkle
verb
: to develop wrinkles
: to cause (something) to develop wrinkles
wrin·kledwrin·kling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of WRINKLE
intransitive verb
: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles
transitive verb
: to contract into wrinkles : pucker
See wrinkle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WRINKLE
15th century
WRINKLED Defined for Kids
1wrinkle
noun wrin·kle \ˈriŋ-kəl\
Definition of WRINKLE for Kids
1
: a crease or small fold (as in the skin or in cloth)
2
: a clever notion or trick <She thought up a new wrinkle for the game.>
3
: a surprise in a story or series of events
2wrinkle
verb
wrin·kledwrin·kling
Definition of WRINKLE for Kids
: to develop or cause to develop creases or small folds
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