crease

noun \ ˈkrēs \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of crease

1 : a line, mark, or ridge made by or as if by folding a pliable substance

2 : a specially marked area in various sports; especially : an area surrounding or in front of a goal (as in lacrosse or hockey)

—

creaseless

play \ˈkrēs-ləs\ adjective

See crease defined for English-language learners

See crease defined for kids

Examples of crease in a Sentence

He ironed his pants to make the creases sharp.
a crease in the paper
tiny creases at the corners of his eyes
Players from the opposing team may not enter the crease.
The batsman moved out of the crease.

Recent Examples of crease from the Web

There was an increase in elasticity, and a slight lift of lines and creases; and this was only after one use.

— jesa marie calaor, Allure, "Strivectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Is the Best-Selling Neck Cream in the U.S.," 10 Apr. 2018
In the 3-on-3 double OT, sprawled out on the ice, Elmore denied Couture twice in the crease before Gendron netted the winner in transition with 59 seconds left.

— craig larson, BostonGlobe.com, "This winter season was filled with sportsmanship, success, and drama," 6 Apr. 2018
Immediately Nathan MacKinnon and his prolific first line initiated a wave of pressure culminating in Neuvirth’s incredible cross-crease save on Miko Rantanen, abandoning his stick to get to the post in time.

— sam donnellon, Philly.com, "Flyers 2, Avalanche 1: Another goalie change, another improbable victory, and other quick observations," 29 Mar. 2018
One such external indicator is diagonal creases on the earlobes -- known as Frank's sign, named after Sanders Frank, an American doctor who first described the sign.

— adam taylor, CNN, "Heart disease risk may show in your earlobes, eyes, fingers," 29 Mar. 2018
And there’s a strong zicka line that slices from the leading edge of the front doors and streaks rearward along the shoulder line while yet another lower body accent crease angles upward toward the rear wheel.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Buick Regal TourX: A welcome wagon," 23 Mar. 2018
That distinction belongs to Shinobu Fukushima, whose dark crew cut and agility in the crease cloak his age.

— ben shpigel, New York Times, "At the Paralympics, Sled Hockey Is Not Necessarily a Young Man’s Game," 12 Mar. 2018
Seguin tapped in a cross-crease pass from Radulov at 16:32, Klingberg getting the other assist.

— USA TODAY, "Stars cruise past Oilers for 5-1 victory," 6 Jan. 2018
Seguin tapped in a cross-crease pass from Radulov at 16:32, Klingberg getting the other assist.

— star-telegram, "Stars storm out to early lead in dominating rout of Oilers," 6 Jan. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of crease

probably alteration of earlier creaste, from Middle English creste crest

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1578

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

crease Synonyms

Synonyms

crimp, crinkle, furrow, wrinkle;

crow's-foot;

Other Field and Goal Sports Terms

lateral, lax, overthrow, playbook, post, screen, scrum, secondary, ultimate

crease

verb

Definition of crease

creased; creasing

transitive verb

1 : to make a crease in or on : wrinkle

a smile creased her face

2 : to wound slightly especially by grazing

creased by a bullet

intransitive verb

: to become creased

—

creaser

noun

See crease defined for English-language learners

Examples of crease in a Sentence

a neatly creased pair of pants
The pages of the book were stained and creased.
She looked up, her face creasing into a smile.

Recent Examples of crease from the Web

There’s something to be said about the quality of the stuff: The creamy textures that never crease, the rich pigments, and the glossy, display-worthy packaging are all part of the irresistible experience of owning prestige cosmetics.

— glamour beauty editors, Glamour, "The Best New Makeup of 2018," 19 Mar. 2018
Call me melodramatic, but shelling out for a few coats of polish that inevitably crack or crease no less than one day later puts me in a state of minor emotional anguish.

— samantha sasso, refinery29.com, "The Chip-Proof Nail Polish You'll Want To Wear All Spring," 12 Mar. 2018
Keep scrolling to find out how to give your cut creases a Valentine's Day twist, or simply switch up your liquid-lipstick look. 1.

— devon abelman, Allure, "7 Creative Ways to Wear Heart Makeup Without Looking Like a Walking Valentine," 8 Feb. 2018
Wayne Simmonds appeared to be in the goalie crease as the puck went in the net.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Red Wings' Jeff Blashill disagrees with Flyers' 2nd goal, not OT winner," 24 Jan. 2018
The volufiline and polylatcic acid helps fill in fine lines so my makeup applies without creasing.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How I Used Korean Skin Care to Treat My Eczema," 16 Feb. 2018
Plus, the powder formula helps prevent the cream base from creasing or sliding around. 5.

— sophie wirt, Allure, "How to Wear Red Eye Shadow Like a Pro Makeup Artist," 6 Feb. 2018
Bill Buford: One creased across the nose, once in the hip, once in the thigh, and once right square in the butt.

— CBS News, ""I have been blamed for what happened out there," says retired UPS deliveryman of 1993 Waco siege," 29 Dec. 2017
Deep canyons crease country that is twisted and folded by nature’s forces.

— dino grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: The Pentagon takes climate change very seriously. This government watchdog says that's not enough.," 13 Dec. 2017

First Known Use of crease

1588

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

crease Synonyms

Synonyms

crinkle, furrow, rumple, wrinkle;

Related Words

collapse, crumple, double, fold;

CREASE Defined for English Language Learners

crease

noun

Definition of crease for English Language Learners

: a line or mark made by folding, pressing, or crushing something (such as cloth or a piece of paper)
: a line or fold in someone's skin
the crease : an area around or in front of a goal in some games (such as hockey)

crease

verb

Definition of crease for English Language Learners

: to fold, press, or crush (something, such as cloth or a piece of paper) so that a line or mark is formed : to put a crease in (something)
: to make a line or fold in (someone's skin)