Crinkly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crinkly

[ˈkrɪŋkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound or texture

Having small, thin wrinkles or creases, often producing a rustling or crackling sound when touched or moved.

Synonyms

creased, rumpled, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crinkly

Describes something with many small folds or curls, often used for lightweight materials or surfaces.

  • She loved the crinkly sound of the wrapping paper
  • The old photograph had a crinkly texture
wrinkled

Describes lines or folds, often used for skin or fabric that has aged or been compressed, can carry a somewhat negative connotation when referring to skin.

  • The old man had a kind, wrinkled face
  • She wore a wrinkled dress that needed ironing
creased

Refers to noticeable lines or folds on surfaces, especially on fabrics like clothes or paper.

  • His shirt was creased after being packed in the suitcase
  • She carefully smoothed out the creased paper before writing on it
rumpled

Suggests a slightly messy, irregular appearance, often used for fabrics that are not smooth or individuals who look disheveled.

  • She handed him his rumpled jacket
  • He woke up with rumpled hair after a restless night

Examples of usage

  • The crinkly paper made a loud noise when she unwrapped the gift.
  • I love the crinkly texture of freshly washed bed sheets.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Having a wrinkled or uneven surface, often used to describe hair or fabric.

Synonyms

curly, uneven, wavy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crinkly

Can also describe hair, but with very small, tight curls.

  • Her crinkly hair was difficult to comb.
  • He admired her crinkly locks.
wavy

Describes something with gentle, wave-like curves. Commonly used for hair, water, or patterns.

  • Her wavy hair looked beautiful in the sunlight.
  • The lake was calm, but it had a few wavy patterns on the surface.
curly

Used to describe something with spiral or ring-shaped curls, commonly used for hair but can also describe other things like ribbon or tails.

  • She has beautiful curly hair.
  • The gift had curly ribbons tied on top.
uneven

Indicates something that is not level or smooth. Often used to describe surfaces, distributions, or performances.

  • The road was uneven and difficult to drive on.
  • His speech was uneven, with some parts being very strong and others weak.

Examples of usage

  • She styled her hair in crinkly waves for the party.
  • The crinkly fabric of the dress added a unique touch to her outfit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Crinkling can change the physical properties of materials, enhancing flexibility or creating texture.
  • The process of crinkling is often used in art, where textures can elicit emotional responses in viewers.
  • Scientists study crinkles in materials to understand stress distributions and failure mechanisms in engineering.

Literature

  • In children's literature, crinkly leaves or wrinkled characters often represent wisdom or age.
  • Poets use the word to evoke sensory imagery, bringing life to descriptions that engage readers' senses.
  • Many authors describe crinkly textures to illustrate feelings of nostalgia or change, creating a powerful connection with the audience.

Art

  • Crinkly paper is often used in crafts and sculptures for its ability to add depth and interest to visual art pieces.
  • Artists sometimes incorporate physical textures, like crinkling, to challenge perceptions and engage viewers more fully.
  • In photography, objects with crinkly textures can create dynamic compositions by contrasting smooth surfaces.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, crinkly characters often appear comical, bringing a light-hearted touch to storytelling.
  • The term 'crinkly' is sometimes used affectionately in popular media to describe something endearing and approachable.
  • In design, crinkly patterns might be used in fashion to evoke a playful or whimsical style.

Origin of 'crinkly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cryncan', which means to bend or curl.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to form an adjective, indicating the characteristic of something that bends or crinkles.
  • The first known use of 'crinkly' in English dates back to the early 20th century.

The word 'crinkly' is derived from the verb 'crinkle', which originated in the 17th century and is believed to be of imitative origin, imitating the sound or appearance of something wrinkled or creased. Over time, 'crinkly' has evolved to describe various textures, surfaces, and appearances that exhibit small, thin wrinkles or creases.


See also: crinkled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,425, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.