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Winkle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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winkle

[ˈwɪŋkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to wrinkle

To winkle means to extract or force out something, often by effort. This term is commonly used in a playful or informal context.

Synonyms

drag out, elicit, extract.

Examples of usage

  • She managed to winkle out the truth from him.
  • The detective was able to winkle out the hidden clues.
  • He intended to winkle the secret from her.
  • They tried to winkle the old story from their grandfather.
Context #2 | Noun

a small wrinkle

A winkle can refer to a small wrinkle or fold. It is also used colloquially to refer to a small, often conical seashell of certain gastropod mollusks.

Synonyms

crease, fold, mollusk, wrinkle.

Examples of usage

  • There was a tiny winkle on her forehead.
  • He collected winkles during his beach walks.
  • She noticed a winkle in her dress.
  • The winkle shell was beautifully patterned.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Marine Biology

  • Winkles are closely related to periwinkles and are often found in rocky intertidal zones.
  • These small snails are herbivores, feeding primarily on algae and decaying plant matter.

Culinary Use

  • In some cultures, winkles are considered a delicacy and are often cooked and served as seafood.
  • They are traditionally eaten by extracting the flesh from the shell using a pin or screwdriver-like tool.

Cultural References

  • In British culture, 'winkle' is often associated with seaside bucket and spade holidays, where children hunt for them.
  • The phrase 'to winkle out' means to extract or remove something from a difficult spot.

Environmental Importance

  • Winkles play an important role in the marine ecosystem by grazing on algae, helping to keep the ecosystem balanced.
  • They are also a food source for various seabirds and other marine animals.

Origin of 'winkle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'winkle' comes from Old English 'wincle,' meaning 'to twist' or 'to turn,' which describes the shape of the shell.
  • In addition to referring to the snail, 'winkle' has been used in some regions to mean 'to remove or extract.'

The word 'winkle' originates from Middle English, where it appeared as 'winkle' in the 15th century. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the Old English term 'wincle' which referred to a shellfish, specifically a type of mollusk. The connection to the term in its modern usage is likely due to the association of the shell of the mollusk with its wrinkled appearance. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the meanings related to extracting something, drawing parallels to the way one might extract the meat from a shellfish. This duality in meaning is reflected in its usage today, where one can either refer to the physical attributes of something wrinkled or describe the action of drawing out information or items with effort.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,253, 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.