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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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crinkle

IPA:

How to pronounce crinkle (audio)

Dictionary definition of crinkle

To create or cause small, sharp, and irregular folds or wrinkles in a material or surface.
"If you crinkle the fabric before sewing, it adds an interesting texture to the garment."

Detailed meaning of crinkle

When something crinkles, it undergoes a bending or creasing motion, resulting in a series of fine and often audible crackling or rustling sounds. This verb is commonly associated with the physical manipulation of flexible objects such as paper, fabric, or plastic, where gentle pressure or movement causes the material to contract or deform, forming tiny ridges or folds. Crinkling can be intentional, as in the deliberate act of crinkling paper for artistic or decorative purposes, or it can occur naturally as a consequence of usage, age, or pressure. The term "crinkle" suggests a temporary or malleable alteration, as the material can often return to its original state once the pressure or manipulation is released.

Example sentences containing crinkle

1. When I opened the package, the wrapping paper seemed to crinkle with excitement.
2. If you crinkle that document, it might not scan properly.
3. The leaves underfoot crinkle as we walk through the autumn forest.
4. When you crinkle aluminum foil, it makes a distinct sound.
5. I love how her eyes crinkle when she smiles.
6. The pages of the old book crinkle as I carefully turn them.

History and etymology of crinkle

The verb 'crinkle' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'krenkelen,' which meant to bend or twist, especially in reference to something with a zigzag or irregular shape. This Middle English term likely evolved from the Old English 'crancian,' which had a similar meaning of bending or twisting. The association between bending and the formation of small, sharp folds or wrinkles in a material or surface is evident in the word 'crinkle.' The initial 'cr-' sound in the word likely emphasizes the idea of a sharp, irregular fold or wrinkle. Therefore, the etymology of 'crinkle' underscores its connection to the action of creating or causing these distinctive and irregular folds in various materials or surfaces.

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Further usage examples of crinkle

1. He made sure not to crinkle the letter as he slid it into the envelope.
2. The fabric will crinkle if you don't iron it properly.
3. Her dress started to crinkle as she sat for a prolonged period.
4. The puppy’s ears crinkle when he's curious about something.
5. If you crinkle the map too much, it will be difficult to read.
6. Try not to crinkle your forehead; it will give you wrinkles over time.
7. The cellophane will crinkle if you handle it too roughly.
8. When you walk on fresh snow, it tends to crinkle under your boots.
9. She managed to crinkle the paper into an interesting origami shape.
10. His voice seemed to crinkle with emotion as he shared his story.
11. The pages in the ancient manuscript crinkle with history and age.
12. The chef suggested we crinkle the pie crust for a decorative touch.
13. When the wind blows, the plastic sheet tends to crinkle and make noise.
14. The artist found a way to crinkle the metal sheet to create an interesting texture in his sculpture.

High School 16, TOEFL 11, Aesthetic and Appearance

distort,pucker

crease,crumple,crunch,fold,ripple,ruffle,rumple,rustle,scrunch,wrinkle

wrinkle, smooth, flatten, straighten

eb68db_ee1a26e8528f4601895cbe8add5f04ed.mp3

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