dimple

1 of 3

noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

1

anatomy : a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body

noticed his dimples when he smiled

2

: a depression or indentation on a surface (as of a golf ball)

dimply

ˈdim-p(ə-)lē 

adjective

dimple

2 of 3

verb

dimpled; dimpling ˈdim-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to mark with dimples

a baby's dimpled hands

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or form dimples

dimply

3 of 3

adjective

dim·​ply -p(ə)lē 

-li

often -er/-est

: having dimples : dimpled

her face grew dimply with joy

Examples of dimple in a Sentence

Noun

She noticed his dimples when he smiled.

the dimples on a golf ball

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The dimple in the mattress stretches into a deep depression, one that essentially rips all the way through. —Quanta Magazine, 3 June 2026

He's described as being cute, with chin-length dark hair, dimples and a diamond stud in one ear. —Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026

Verb

The facade, in a deep shade of blue, is largely perforated and dimpled to allow light through. —New Atlas, 14 May 2026

The new extension was designed to echo the district’s iconic machiya, wooden townhouses, and features dimpled naguri floors, bamboo screens, zelkova, chestnut and cherry wood touches. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun, Verb, and Adjective

Middle English dympull; akin to Old High German tumphilo whirlpool, Old English dyppan to dip

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for dimple

• pimple
• simple

Kids Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

1

: a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body (as the chin)

2

: a slight hollow

the dimples on a golf ball

dimple

2 of 2 verb

dimpled; dimpling -p(ə-)liŋ 

: to mark with or form dimples

Medical Definition

dimple

1 of 2 noun

dim·​ple ˈdim-pəl 

: a slight natural indentation or hollow in the surface of some part of the human body (as on a cheek or the chin)

dimple

2 of 2 verb

dimpled; dimpling -p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to mark with dimples

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or form dimples