dimple

1 of 2

noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

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

ˈdim-p(ə-)lē 

adjective

dimple

2 of 2

verb

dimpled; dimpling ˈdim-p(ə-)liŋ 

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

Noun

Stack had dimples, and Smoke didn’t. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026

He's described as being cute, with chin-length dark hair, dimples and a diamond stud in one ear. — Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026

Verb

Changes, like dimpling, become visible when the skin is pinched. — Rena Goldman, Health, 28 June 2026

Her legacy shines through in every quip and dimpled smile, a reminder of a star who owned every room. — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for dimple

• pimple
• simple

Kids Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

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 

: to mark with or form dimples

Medical Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

: 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 

transitive verb

: to mark with dimples

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or form dimples