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Crinkling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crinkling

[ˈkrɪŋklɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making noise

To crinkle means to make small, fine folds or wrinkles, often resulting in a rustling or cracking noise. This term is commonly used in reference to paper, fabric, or other materials that can easily be wrinkled.

Synonyms

crease, crumple, wrinkle.

Examples of usage

  • She crinkled the paper before throwing it away.
  • The sound of crinkling leaves filled the air.
  • He crinkled his brow in confusion.
  • The plastic wrapper crinkled as he opened the snack.
Context #2 | Noun

sound or texture

Crinkling refers to the sound or the texture produced during the process of crinkling. It often indicates that a material has been manipulated to become wrinkled or that it is being handled in a way that creates noise.

Synonyms

crackle, crumple, rustle.

Examples of usage

  • The crinkling of the foil was annoying.
  • I love the crinkling texture of this fabric.
  • There was a gentle crinkling sound as she turned the page.
  • The old newspaper had a distinct crinkling quality.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Natural World

  • Many leaves exhibit natural crinkling as they grow, which can help them efficiently catch sunlight.
  • Certain animal skins, such as that of snakes, also display crinkling patterns for camouflage and protection.
  • Crinkling helps fruits like apples and potatoes indicate ripeness or aging, alerting consumers to their freshness.

Art and Design

  • Artists often use crinkled materials in sculptures or collages to create texture and depth.
  • The crinkled look is popular in fashion textiles, giving garments a dynamic appearance with a sense of movement.
  • Origami artists may create crinkled patterns to enhance the visual complexity and aesthetics of their works.

Culinary Arts

  • Crinkling is a technique used in baking, as seen in flaky pastries like croissants, where layers create a crispy texture.
  • Potato chips often adopt a crinkled form, which not only provides a unique texture but also makes them more flavorful.
  • In some culinary presentations, chefs purposely crinkle vegetables to enhance both taste and visual appeal.

Psychology

  • The sound of crinkling, like paper or leaves, can evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding people of childhood moments.
  • Studies show that the texture of crinkled surfaces can affect how we perceive the quality and luxury of products.
  • Crinkling sounds often create a sense of surprise or curiosity, engaging listeners more fully in an environment.

Origin of 'crinkling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crinkle' comes from the Old English 'crincle', which means to bend or make a curve.
  • Related words like 'wrinkle' and 'crumple' share similar roots, focusing on the idea of folding or bending materials.
  • In the 1800s, the first uses of 'crinkling' referred to the sound made by folding paper or cloth.

The word 'crinkle' has its origins in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle Dutch 'krinklen,' which means 'to curl or wave.' The word reflects a physical action, often associated with materials that easily bend or wrinkle. Over time, it evolved into 'crinkle' in English, used both as a verb and a noun. The sound associated with crinkling has also become an integral part of its meaning, highlighting an auditory experience that accompanies the visual aspect of wrinkling. The transition from a term specific to materials and their appearance to one that includes sound reflects the multifaceted nature of language and the ways we describe sensory experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,832 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.