scrunch

1 of 2

verb

ˈskrənch 

ˈskru̇nch

scrunched; scrunching; scrunches

transitive verb

1

: crunch, crush

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple

—often used with up

c

: to cause (something, such as one's features) to draw together

—usually used with up

intransitive verb

1

: to move with or make a crunching sound

2

: crouch, hunch

also : squeeze

scrunch

2 of 2

noun

: a crunching sound

Synonyms

Verb

• crumple
• fold

Examples of scrunch in a Sentence

Verb

I scrunched down in the chair.

I scrunched the fabric in my hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Using your hands, gently scrunch up the phyllo sheet from the middle and nestle it on top of the chicken mixture. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025

And some ankle booties with wedge heels might appear moderate, but can actually throw your weight onto the balls of your feet, scrunching your toes up against the toe box. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025

Noun

My current favorites are ruffle socks for a more feminine outfit or scrunch socks for a more cozy look. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2025

Over on the fall/winter 2025 runways, Ralph Lauren and Zimmermann took a more subtle approach via elegant knee-high leather boots with buccaneer buckle detailing and a slight scrunch. —Emma Spedding, Vogue, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of crunch entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scrunch

• brunch
• bunch
• chinch
• crunch
• hunch
• lunch
• punch
• keypunch

Kids Definition

scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch

1

a

: crunch entry 1 sense 1, crush

scrunch a paper cup

b

: to make or move with a crunching sound

cinders scrunching underfoot

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple sense 1

scrunch up a piece of paper

c

: to cause (as one's facial features) to draw together

scrunched up his nose

3

: crouch, hunch