crinkled; crinkling
ˈkriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to form many short bends or ripples
b
: wrinkle
2
: to give forth a thin crackling sound : rustle
crinkling silks
: to cause to crinkle : make crinkles in
1
: wrinkle, corrugation, pucker
2
: any of several virus diseases of plants marked by crinkling of leaves
Examples of crinkle in a Sentence
Verb
The corners of his eyes crinkle when he smiles.
a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move
Noun
little crinkles at the corners of his mouth showed whenever he smiled
Recent Examples on the Web
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The crinkling sound of foil unwrapping scared the pigeons, which flew to the other side of the dusty lot.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crinkle
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Verb
This filthy and fascinating film is peering in, nose crinkled and stomach churning, to see what bubbles up.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The crinkling sound of foil unwrapping scared the pigeons, which flew to the other side of the dusty lot.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
Most Zaxbys chicken meals are served with a side of crinkle fries and Texas toast.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crinkle
Cite this Entry
“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crinkle. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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