wrinkle

1 of 2

noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
1
: a small ridge or furrow especially when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : crease
specifically : one in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue
2
b
: a change in a customary procedure or method
c
: something new or different : innovation
3
wrinkly adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2

verb

wrinkled; wrinkling ˈriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles : pucker

Examples of wrinkle in a Sentence

Noun Here's the latest wrinkle in the story—we find out that the villain is actually the hero's father! He has added some new wrinkles to his game. Verb Moisture caused the wallpaper to wrinkle and peel. His brow wrinkled as he thought about the question. Try not to wrinkle your trousers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Ideal for those with using retinol, this advanced formula provides wrinkle treatment, gentle exfoliation and improved collagen production. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 Let this serum be your ideal alternative: an effective combination of resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and a vegan collagen helps smooth wrinkles without irritation (another side effect of retinol). Katie Becker, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
Not to mention, this versatile skirt won’t wrinkle in your luggage (thank you, corduroy). Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2024 But again, patients stop treatment at their own peril: Faces begin to wrinkle as soon as the effects fade. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wrinkle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wrinkle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, back-formation from wrinkled twisted, winding, probably from Old English gewrinclod, past participle of gewrinclian to wind, from ge-, perfective prefix + -wrinclian (akin to wrencan to wrench) — more at co-

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrinkle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near wrinkle

Cite this Entry

“Wrinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrinkle. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun
wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
1
: a crease or small fold on a surface (as of the skin or a piece of cloth)
2
: a clever or new method, trick, or idea
wrinkly adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb
wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
: to develop or cause to develop wrinkles

Medical Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun
wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
: a small ridge or furrow in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb
wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles
wrinkled skin

More from Merriam-Webster on wrinkle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!