cellulite

noun

cel·​lu·​lite ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt  -ˌlēt 

: 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

Examples of cellulite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sharing a body that has changed over the years — stretch marks, cellulite, Cesarean scars and more — with someone new requires a level of vulnerability that can be nerve wracking. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026

Lipotherapeia says vibration training does not cure cellulite but can improve appearance and boost skin tightening, especially when paired with healthy eating, cardio and targeted treatments. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

Males have more fibrous connections that form a criss-cross pattern between the top layer of skin and deeper tissue, which may provide the skin with greater stability and help prevent the appearance of cellulite. — Rena Goldman, Health, 28 June 2026

Squeezing their thighs into pants that are too tight to compress the cellulite. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellulite

• anti-cellulite

Rhymes for cellulite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Medical Definition

cellulite

noun

cel·​lu·​lite ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt  -ˌlēt 

: 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