Gnarled: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe trees or wood that is old and has many knots and rough spots.

• The gnarled branches of the ancient oak stretched out like twisted arms
• His hands were gnarled from years of hard labor

Describes something that is bent or turned into a spiral shape, often with connotations of distortion or damage.

• The metal fence was twisted and bent after the storm
• She had a twisted sense of humor that not everyone appreciated

Refers to something that is tied in knots or has knots, such as rope, hair, or muscles.

• She tried to brush through her knotted hair
• The sailor untied the knotted ropes with ease

Used for surfaces, especially skin or fabric, that have many small lines or folds.

• Her face was wrinkled with age
• He wore a wrinkled shirt that hadn't been ironed