cellulite

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

|Updated on: 13 Aug 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

Created with menthol and refreshing eucalyptus, this stimulating gel provides tired muscles with a long-lasting intense cooling sensation, and can help prevent the appearance of cellulite.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "11 Cooling Beauty Products That Beat the Heat," 7 July 2018
Reminder that cellulite is normal and nothing to be ashamed of (and also depends on lighting!

— deanna pai, Glamour, "10 Celebrities on Why They DGAF About Cellulite," 6 July 2018
According to Cosmopolitan, Kline, a 27-year-old student and nail technician from Alabama, took the photo on the right without the intention of showcasing her cellulite.

— emily wang, Allure, "This Woman's Body-Positive Photos of Her Thigh Cellulite Are Going Viral," 22 May 2018
Avoid editing photos to change the size or shape of a person’s body, or to remove cellulite or stretch marks.

— carolyn kylstra, SELF, "How Should a Health Brand Talk About Weight?," 25 June 2018
Anyone who has worked the red carpet for years will be inoculated against the spiteful tabloid comments about a glimpse of cellulite, or a stray gray hair.

— daisy goodwin, Time, "How Meghan Markle Is Giving the Royal Family the Shake-Up It Needs," 17 May 2018
Our bodies are all worthy of representation, and that includes stretch marks, cellulite, scars, and the like.

— yendi reid, Teen Vogue, "How Savage X Fenty Lingerie Looks On Different Body Types, Including Plus and Petite," 14 May 2018
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

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