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

The standout ingredient, 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, is the most effective, stabilized form of vitamin C that penetrates deeply to reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles while delivering a noticeable plumping effect. —Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 30 Dec. 2024

Smooth out any wrinkles on the bedspread, fluff the pillows, and clear off the nightstands of any items that may have accumulated the night before. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

Verb

It’s made of thick fabric that holds its shape and won’t wrinkle through the entire journey. —Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024

Yet even the luminescent Cruise can’t outshine Newman, as Felson again, now handsomely wrinkled and gray. —Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

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

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