Crinkled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😊
Add to dictionary

crinkled

[ˈkrɪŋkəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

paper texture

Having small, thin wrinkles or folds on the surface.

Synonyms

creased, rumpled, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
crinkled

Often used for describing paper, fabric, or materials that have small, tight folds or ridges.

  • The corners of the old photograph were crinkled
  • The crinkled foil made a rustling sound
wrinkled

Widely used for describing skin, fabric, or materials with larger, often irregular folds or lines; can have a negative connotation when referring to aging skin.

  • The old jacket was wrinkled from being stored in a box
  • Her hands were wrinkled from years of hard work
creased

Best used when referring to lines or folds that appear on fabric, paper, or skin, often a deliberate fold.

  • He carefully creased the paper before cutting it
  • Her forehead creased with worry
rumpled

Commonly describes fabric, clothes, or bedding that looks messy or unkempt, usually with a casual or temporary state.

  • His shirt was rumpled after sleeping in it
  • The rumpled bed sheets indicated someone had just woken up

Examples of usage

  • She found an old crinkled letter in the attic.
  • The crinkled paper made it difficult to read the text.
Context #2 | Adjective

facial expression

Having lines or wrinkles on the face due to smiling or laughing.

Synonyms

creased, lined, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
crinkled

Used to describe something with small, narrow folds or ridges, often giving a slightly chaotic or textured appearance. It is often applied to paper, fabric, or skin.

  • The crinkled leaves of the old book gave it an antique feel
  • She smiled, her eyes crinkled at the corners
wrinkled

Refers to slight folds or ridges, often associated with aging or materials like fabric and paper. This word can have a negative connotation when describing appearance.

  • She looked at her reflection and noticed her wrinkled forehead
  • The wrinkled fabric needed to be ironed
creased

Typically refers to lines or marks made by folding or pressing, especially on paper or clothing. This word often implies neat, defined lines.

  • He ironed his shirt to remove the creased lines
  • The letter had been folded several times and was noticeably creased
lined

Describes something marked with lines, which can be natural or created by folding, drawing, or aging. Can be used to talk about skin that shows signs of age.

  • The lined paper is perfect for writing essays
  • His face was lined with years of worry and wisdom

Examples of usage

  • Her crinkled eyes showed her joy and happiness.
  • He had a crinkled smile that lit up his face.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In materials science, crinkled structures can affect the physical properties of materials, such as flexibility and strength.
  • Crinkles can often be seen on surfaces of everyday items, like aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and serve practical purposes like improving grip.
  • In biology, some plant leaves have a crinkled texture that can enhance their ability to absorb sunlight effectively.

Art

  • Artists sometimes use crinkled paper as a technique to add texture and depth to their artwork.
  • In sculpture, crinkled forms can create interesting shadows and light effects that attract viewer attention.
  • Crinkled fabric can be a popular choice in fashion, as it adds an element of casualness and uniqueness to garments.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, characters often have crinkly hair or outfits that make them look more whimsical and unique.
  • Crinkled or wrinkled effects are sometimes used in movie set design to convey nostalgia or age.
  • Certain DIY crafts, such as making crinkled paper flowers, have gained popularity on social media platforms.

Psychology

  • Textures, like crinkling, can evoke feelings of nostalgia or comfort, reminding people of favorite childhood items.
  • Research shows that the sensation of crinkling can be calming, leading to trends in stress relief products that incorporate soft, crinkled materials.
  • Crinkled textures in art therapy are sometimes employed to help people express their emotions non-verbally.

Origin of 'crinkled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'crincle,' meaning to form into folds or curls.
  • Closely related terms include 'wrinkled' and 'crinkle,' which also describe similar textures.
  • Many words in English that describe textures have Old German or Old Norse origins, showing a rich cultural blend.

The word 'crinkled' is derived from the verb 'crinkle', which originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'crincan', meaning 'to bend, yield'. Over time, 'crinkle' evolved to 'crinkled', maintaining its association with small folds or wrinkles. The term has been used to describe various textures and facial expressions, reflecting the natural process of aging or the effects of manipulation on materials.


See also: crinkly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,003, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.