cellulite

noun cel·lu·lite \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt , -ˌlēt \

Definition of cellulite

:deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface

See cellulite defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of cellulite from the Web

Velashape tightens the skin and smooths the appearance of cellulite, while Thermage only tightens the skin.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Sagging skin? Turkey neck? These treatments may help tighten your loose skin.," 21 Aug. 2017
The answer is that no one should have to feel ashamed of having cellulite.

— anne roderique-jones, SELF, "My Summer of Cellulite Is Helping Me Get Over Myself and Just Live," 16 July 2017
Johnson wanted to challenge herself—and other women like her—to accept her cellulite this summer.

— lindsey lanquist, SELF, "16 Body-Positive Instagrammers Who Are Celebrating the Summer of Cellulite," 21 June 2017
Splash Remember back in April when Kim Kardashian was photographed on her Mexican vacation with her cellulite on full display?

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Kim Kardashian Insists Those Viral Cellulite Pics Were Faked, But Can We Talk About How Cellulite Is Actually Okay Please?," 21 June 2017
Cellulite is totally natural, and as such, there's a social media movement at work encouraging people to embrace cellulite without shame.

— alyssa hardy, Teen Vogue, "Kim Kardashian's Bikini Photos Were Photoshopped to Look Worse, She Claims," 20 June 2017
Cryotherapy, an anti-inflammatory treatment, is the latest West Coast craze to treat muscle pain, reduce cellulite, and more.

— sunhee grinnell, Vanities, "What Stars Really Do to Get Red-Carpet Ready," 19 June 2017
The benefits of adding water to workouts include increased range of motion to joints, improved weight loss, the alleviation of muscle soreness and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite, according to Ybarra.

— by chloe herring, miamiherald, "Fitness Row in Coral Gables is ready to give you a summer body," 6 June 2017
Rolling also stimulates the lymphatic system to help flush toxins, get rid of bloating, and even reduce cellulite.

— lauren roxburgh, chicagotribune.com, "How to use a foam roller to transform body, posture," 9 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cellulite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cellulite

French, literally, accumulation of subcutaneous fat, cellulitis, from cellule cell + -ite -itis

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1968

See Words from the same year

CELLULITE Defined for English Language Learners

cellulite

noun

Definition of cellulite for English Language Learners

: fat that is close to the surface of the skin and that makes the skin slightly bumpy

Medical Dictionary

cellulite

noun cel·lu·lite \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt , -ˌlēt \

medical Definition of cellulite

:deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface