Crumpled: meaning, definitions and examples

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crumpled

[ˈkrʌmpəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

paper

Crumpled means wrinkled or crushed into small creases or folds. It is often used to describe a piece of paper that has been squeezed into a ball or folded multiple times.

Synonyms

creased, crushed, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crumpled	Often describes paper, fabric, or thin materials that have been pushed or folded into a messy form. The letter was crumpled into a ball He found a crumpled shirt at the bottom of his bag
wrinkled	Usually used for fabric, skin, or thin materials that have small, parallel folds. Often refers to clothes or aging skin. He wore a wrinkled shirt to the meeting She noticed her skin was more wrinkled than before
crushed	Describes something that has been pressed with great force, possibly damaging it. Often has a negative or severe connotation. The box was crushed under the heavy weight Her hat was completely crushed in the crowded bus
creased	Refers to clear lines or folds in materials, usually clothes or paper, often unintentionally. The document was creased from being folded in his pocket She was worried about the creased pants

Examples of usage

The crumpled paper lay on the floor.
She handed me a crumpled note.
He tried to smooth out the crumpled map.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

clothing

Crumpled is also used as a verb to describe the action of crushing or wrinkling something, typically fabric or clothing.

Synonyms

crease, crush, wrinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crumpled	Usually used to describe something that has been crushed or crinkled into a messy or disordered state, often due to mishandling or careless storage. She crumpled the piece of paper and threw it into the trash can His shirt was crumpled from being packed in the suitcase for too long
wrinkle	Typically used for small folds or lines that appear on a surface, often associated with fabric or human skin. These folds can be due to compression, aging, or other factors. Her blouse was full of wrinkles after being stuffed in the drawer With age, he got more wrinkles around his eyes
crease	Often used regarding fabrics or paper that have been folded and left with a sharp line, sometimes unintentionally. It can also refer to intentional folds, like those on clothes or paper. Be careful not to crease the document The dress had elegant creases that added to its design

Word

Description / Examples

crumpled

Usually used to describe something that has been crushed or crinkled into a messy or disordered state, often due to mishandling or careless storage.

She crumpled the piece of paper and threw it into the trash can
His shirt was crumpled from being packed in the suitcase for too long

wrinkle

Typically used for small folds or lines that appear on a surface, often associated with fabric or human skin. These folds can be due to compression, aging, or other factors.

Her blouse was full of wrinkles after being stuffed in the drawer
With age, he got more wrinkles around his eyes

crease

Often used regarding fabrics or paper that have been folded and left with a sharp line, sometimes unintentionally. It can also refer to intentional folds, like those on clothes or paper.

Be careful not to crease the document
The dress had elegant creases that added to its design

Examples of usage

She crumpled her dress in frustration.
He crumpled the paper napkin after dinner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English term 'crumplen,' which meant to crumple or bend.
In Old English, there was 'crumpa,' reflecting the idea of bending or folding.
The evolution of the term reflects a shift from physical bending to describing things like paper or fabric.

Psychology

Research indicates that viewing crumpled or disordered spaces can lead to feelings of chaos or stress.
The appearance of crumpled materials may evoke nostalgia, recalling memories of childhood art projects or note-taking.
Crumpled objects can symbolize imperfection, which is often linked to creative processes and authenticity.

Art

Crumpled paper is a technique used in sculpting and mixed media art to create unique textures and forms.
Artists sometimes intentionally crumple designs to express emotional turmoil or spontaneity.
Using crumpled materials has become popular in contemporary art installations, offering commentary on waste and recycling.

Fashion

Crumpled fabrics like linen and seersucker are fashionable for casual summer styles, embracing a relaxed look.
The aesthetic of crumpled clothing has inspired designers to promote 'effortless' style, appealing to modern, busy lifestyles.
Fashion trends often see crumpled looks as a way to blend comfort with casual elegance.

Nature

In nature, certain leaves become crumpled when they dry out, affecting their ability to photosynthesize.
Crumpled shapes can be observed in various ecosystems, reflecting adaptability and response to environmental pressure.
Some animals use crumpling as a tactic; for instance, a crumpled shell can serve as camouflage in a rocky habitat.

Translations

Translations of the word "crumpled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amassado

🇮🇳 मरोड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 zerknittert

🇮🇩 kusut

🇺🇦 зім'ятий

🇵🇱 pognieciony

🇯🇵 くしゃくしゃ

🇫🇷 froissé

🇪🇸 arrugado

🇹🇷 buruşmuş

🇰🇷 구겨진

🇸🇦 مجعد

🇨🇿 zmačkaný

🇸🇰 zmačkaný

🇨🇳 皱巴巴的

🇸🇮 zmečkan

🇮🇸 krumpaður

🇰🇿 мыжылған

🇬🇪 დაჩეჩქვილი

🇦🇿 bükülmüş

🇲🇽 arrugado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,704, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15701 linearity
15702 stooped
15703 poignant
15704 crumpled
15705 constrain
15706 hoe
15707 uncompromising
...