cellulite

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

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

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

Your stretch marks are beautiful, your cellulite is beautiful.

— stephanie nolasco, Fox News, "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Hunter McGrady recalls the moment she accepted her 'God-given body'," 7 June 2018
The Saks outpost is the first FaceGym location in the U.S. There's a Martine de Richeville slimming massage that claims to smooth away cellulite.

— charisse jones, USA TODAY, "Saks Fifth Avenue bets 'magic mirrors,' face workouts will bring online buyers to stores," 29 May 2018
Holly went on to remind people that traffic, a bad haircut, and some cellulite on your thighs really aren't bad problems.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Dying Woman's Life Advice Goes Viral," 10 Jan. 2018
One of the great things about social media is how people are able to share experiences and put their messy, imperfect truth out there—posting about everything from mental health issues to grief to the reality of stretch marks and cellulite.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "5 Social Media Influencers Get Real About How Therapy Is the Best Self Care," 14 May 2018
Soon after, a movement began, with other users posting snaps of their own thighs—stretch marks, scars, freckles, and cellulite, et al— in candid fashion.

— lauren valenti, Marie Claire, "#ThighReading Is the Best New Body-Positive Movement," 28 July 2015
Dry skin brushing is an ancient practice that improves total-body circulation and even gets rid of cellulite.

— julia black, Bon Appetit, "9 Ways to Stay Happy in Winter From People in the Coldest Places," 13 Jan. 2018
Although a foolproof solution to cellulite remains elusive, Dr. Zeichner says coffee might help.

— alexandra gekas, Woman's Day, "8 Bizarre Beauty Tricks," 9 Nov. 2010
The fact that Anitta shows her cellulite and treats it naturally -- that’s part of the language for this generation.

— fabiola moura, Bloomberg.com, "Brazilian Pop Star Crosses Borders With the Help of Spotify and YouTube," 6 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

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