crimp

1 of 4

verb (1)

crimped; crimping; crimps

transitive verb

1
: to cause to become wavy, bent, or pinched: such as
a
: to form (leather) into a desired shape
b
: to give (synthetic fibers) a curl or wave like that of natural fibers
c
: to pinch or press together (something, such as the margins of a pie crust) in order to seal
2
: to be an inhibiting or restraining influence on : cramp
sales had been crimped by credit controlsTime
crimper noun

crimp

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
: something produced by or as if by crimping: such as
a
: a section of hair artificially waved or curled
b
: a succession of waves (as in wool fiber)
c
: a bend or crease formed in something
2
: something that cramps or inhibits : restraint, curb

crimp

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a person who entraps or forces men into shipping as sailors or into enlisting in an army or navy

crimp

4 of 4

verb (2)

crimped; crimping; crimps

transitive verb

: to trap into military or sea service : impress

Examples of crimp in a Sentence

Noun (1) a small crimp in the dollar bill prevented it from being accepted by the bill changer made a tiny little crimp in the corner of the Queen of Spades the strike could put a real crimp in the production schedule
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Tight crimps for Salmon and an underwhelming lack of springiness for Pheloung. Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024 Not everyone’s income has gone up enough to offset this, which crimps budgets. Michael Cannivet, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Verb
But many of us are at least two generations removed from knowing how to crimp the edges of a pie crust. Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 Get The Recipe 23 of 25 Apple Dumplings Enjoy tender, spiced fruit and rich pastry without having to crimp a pie crust. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crimp 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Dutch or Low German krimpen to shrivel; akin to Middle Dutch crampe hook, cramp

Noun (2)

perhaps from crimp entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1718, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crimp was in 1712

Dictionary Entries Near crimp

Cite this Entry

“Crimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crimp. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

crimp

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make wavy or bent
2
: to pinch or press together
crimp the edges of a pie crust

crimp

2 of 2 noun
1
: something produced by or as if by crimping
2
: something that holds back

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