Wrinkled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wrinkled

[ˈrɪŋ.kəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance

Having lines, folds, or creases on the surface; not smooth.

Synonyms

creased, crinkled, crumpled, rumpled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrinkled	Most often used to describe skin, such as aging skin, or fabric with small, permanent lines. Can also describe old paper or surfaces. Her grandmother's hands were wrinkled from years of hard work The old map was wrinkled and fragile
creased	Typically refers to sharp, defined lines or folds in fabric or paper, often occurring from folding or pressing. The new shirt was neatly folded, but now it is creased The document was creased at the edges from being in a folder for too long
crumpled	Refers to something that has been completely compressed and wrinkled, often unintentionally, giving a messy appearance. He crumpled the receipt and tossed it in the trash The letter was crumpled in his jacket pocket
rumpled	Describes a more casual, slightly messy look, often referring to clothes or bedsheets that are not neatly arranged. She looked charming in her rumpled outfit The bed was rumpled after a restless night's sleep
crinkled	Describes a surface that has small, irregular ridges or folds. Often used for paper, fabric, or even certain foods like chips. The gift wrap was crinkled from being handled Her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes

Examples of usage

The old man's face was wrinkled with age.
She wore a wrinkled shirt to give it a vintage look.
The wrinkled paper made it difficult to read the document.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To make or cause lines, folds, or creases on a surface.

Synonyms

crease, crinkle, crumple, rumple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrinkled	Used to describe something, especially skin or fabric, that has many small folds or lines typically due to age, use, or being kept in a tight space. The old woman's face was deeply wrinkled. The shirt was wrinkled after being stuffed in the drawer.
crease	Typically refers to a line or ridge produced on paper, cloth, or other material by folding, pressing, or crushing. Can also mean a fold in the skin when used in specific contexts. He carefully folded the paper to avoid a crease. There was a crease in his trousers from sitting too long.
crumple	Describes something that has been pressed or crushed into folds and usually suggests a messy or untidy appearance. It often implies something was squeezed or squashed. He crumpled the piece of paper and threw it away. Her dress was crumpled after sitting in the car for hours.
rumple	Typically used to describe fabric, hair, or other similar materials that have been messed up or made to look untidy. Often suggests a casual, disheveled appearance. His hair was rumpled from sleeping. She sat on the bed, rumpling the sheets.
crinkle	Often describes something that has many small, thin lines or folds. It is usually used to talk about paper, plastic, or surfaces that make a crackling sound. The crinkled paper was difficult to flatten. She liked the crinkle of the aluminum foil.

Examples of usage

She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
The fabric wrinkled easily after washing.
He wrinkled his forehead in confusion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, wrinkles are often associated with wisdom and experience, symbolizing the stories behind every crease.
Conversely, the beauty industry frequently promotes a youthful appearance, leading to a cultural focus on anti-aging products to combat wrinkles.

Psychology

Studies have shown that people often associate wrinkles with aging sadness, which can influence their self-esteem and body image.
Conversely, some psychological perspectives argue that embracing wrinkles can lead to greater self-acceptance and happiness.

Fashion and Aesthetics

Wrinkled fabrics like linen are often celebrated for their casual appeal, suggesting a relaxed lifestyle.
Fashion trends have oscillated between promoting smooth, wrinkle-free clothing and intentionally wrinkled styles to convey artistic or bohemian vibes.

Science

Wrinkles on the skin are caused by reduced collagen production and exposure to environmental factors like sun damage.
Researchers are studying ways to prevent and reduce wrinkles through various treatments, emphasizing the biology of skin aging.

Origin of 'wrinkled'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'wrincian', which means to twist or to bend.
Historically, it was used to describe both the physical appearance of objects and the emotional states of people, hinting at a deeper connection between body and mind.

The word 'wrinkled' originated from the Middle English word 'wrinklen', which is derived from the Old English 'wrencan' meaning 'to twist'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe the lines or folds that appear on a surface, especially with age or when compressed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,273, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12270 satin
12271 broaden
12272 migrated
12273 wrinkled
12274 mucus
12275 ripening
12276 disrupt
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