wrinkle

1 of 2

noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

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

a

: method, technique

b

: a change in a customary procedure or method

c

: something new or different : innovation

3

: imperfection, irregularity

wrinkly

ˈriŋ-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2

verb

wrinkled; wrinkling ˈriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles : pucker

Synonyms of wrinkle

Noun

• furrow
• crease

Verb

• furrow
• crease

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

On Thursday, Mike Vrabel specifically highlighted Payton’s ability to time his game-plan wrinkles. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

Further wrinkles developed when Shkreli’s imprisonment led to the Justice Department coming into possession of the extremely expensive boxed set. —Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

Many shower curtain liners can be washed in the washing machine with baking soda to bust through tough grime and mildew and a towel to keep the liner from wrinkling. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026

Even if your flight is only a quick duration, no one wants to look sloppy, wrinkled, or feel uncomfortable. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing wrinkle

• anti-wrinkle

Rhymes for wrinkle

• crinkle
• sprinkle
• tinkle
• twinkle
• winkle
• periwinkle

Kids Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

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

-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb

wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ 

: to develop or cause to develop wrinkles

Medical Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl 

: 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 

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles

wrinkled skin