scrunch

1 of 2

verb

ˈskrənch 

ˈskru̇nch

scrunched; scrunching; scrunches

transitive verb

1

: crunch, crush

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple

—often used with up

c

: to cause (something, such as one's features) to draw together

—usually used with up

intransitive verb

1

: to move with or make a crunching sound

2

: crouch, hunch

also : squeeze

scrunch

2 of 2

noun

: a crunching sound

Synonyms

Verb

• crinkle
• crumple
• rumple
• wrinkle

Examples of scrunch in a Sentence

Verb

I scrunched down in the chair.

I scrunched the fabric in my hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The generously sized 360-degree bowl cocoons curls and waves, ensuring uniform heat distribution and definition—perfect for scrunching your way to frizz-free, sculpted strands. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 14 May 2025

All those fancy market reports can’t compete with actually watching someone struggle with your prototype, seeing their face scrunch up in confusion. —Goran Paun, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Noun

Specific foot-strengthening movements might include towel scrunches, banded ankle exercises, and calf raises, Dr. Malek says. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025

My hips and my neck don’t feel any sort of scrunch or discomfort, which is a huge plus. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of crunch entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scrunch

• brunch
• bunch
• chinch
• crunch
• hunch
• lunch
• punch
• keypunch

Kids Definition

scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch

1

a

: crunch entry 1 sense 1, crush

scrunch a paper cup

b

: to make or move with a crunching sound

cinders scrunching underfoot

2

a

: to draw or squeeze together tightly

b

: crumple sense 1

scrunch up a piece of paper

c

: to cause (as one's facial features) to draw together

scrunched up his nose

3

: crouch, hunch