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 of scrunch

Verb

• crumple
• fold

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

Sitting at the defendant’s table, Flynn scrunched up his face and appeared to be crying as the 911 call was played aloud. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Sheer tees scrunched and stretched in awkward ways at Brandon Maxwell. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

My current favorites are ruffle socks for a more feminine outfit or scrunch socks for a cozier look. — Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Or, let air-dry with a scrunch of mousse that plays up your hair’s natural texture. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 June 2026

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