wrinkle

1 of 2

noun

wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
Synonyms of wrinklenext
1
: a small ridge or furrow especially when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : crease
specifically : one in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue
2
a
: method, technique
b
: a change in a customary procedure or method
c
: something new or different : innovation
3
: imperfection, irregularity
wrinkly
ˈriŋ-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2

verb

wrinkled; wrinkling ˈriŋ-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles : pucker

Synonyms of wrinkle

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of wrinkle in a Sentence

Noun Here's the latest wrinkle in the story—we find out that the villain is actually the hero's father! He has added some new wrinkles to his game. Verb Moisture caused the wallpaper to wrinkle and peel. His brow wrinkled as he thought about the question. Try not to wrinkle your trousers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The formula for Voupre's Anti-Aging Rescue Solution is the basis for nearly identical wrinkle creams that the Weingartens and Odeds sell across other brands like Introstem, CbGäRDN, Venofye and Lavelier. — Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 And the wrinkles go around the cheeks and all combine at the butthole. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
All items arrived clean (professional cleaning is included in your BNTO box subscription) and showed no wear and tear, though they were wrinkled from shipping and needed a good steam before wearing. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 The same men worked in the lobby—a little fatter, a little more wrinkled and gray. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrinkle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, back-formation from wrinkled twisted, winding, probably from Old English gewrinclod, past participle of gewrinclian to wind, from ge-, perfective prefix + -wrinclian (akin to wrencan to wrench) — more at co-

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrinkle was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing wrinkle

Rhymes for wrinkle

See All Rhymes for wrinkle

Browse Nearby Words

wringstaff
wrinkle
wrinkledness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrinkle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun
wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
1
: a crease or small fold on a surface (as of the skin or a piece of cloth)
2
: a clever or new method, trick, or idea
wrinkly
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
adjective

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb
wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
: to develop or cause to develop wrinkles

Medical Definition

wrinkle

1 of 2 noun
wrin·​kle ˈriŋ-kəl How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)
: a small ridge or furrow in the skin especially when due to age, worry, or fatigue

wrinkle

2 of 2 verb
wrinkled; wrinkling -k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce wrinkle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles

transitive verb

: to contract into wrinkles
wrinkled skin
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