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

But there was always more to Aydın than his aw-shucks dimples. —Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025

With her platinum blonde hair, sparkling dimples, and a wit sharp enough to slice through the static of a flagging Ohio radio station, Anderson, who died this week at 79, became an icon of glamour and grit. —Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

Verb

Here and there, barely submerged rocks cause the water to dimple and roil. —Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025

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