cellulite

noun

cel·​lu·​lite ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt How to pronounce cellulite (audio) -ˌlēt How to pronounce cellulite (audio)
: deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface

Examples of cellulite in a Sentence

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.
Squeezing their thighs into pants that are too tight to compress the cellulite. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 Cuffy writes her heroine Cece’s body with care and precision, evoking sweat and smells, cellulite and lost toenails. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 A bit greasy This toning body cream helps target cellulite on the legs by eliminating bumps and uneven texture. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026 This is a gradual self-tanning lotion that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite with ingredients such as collagen, elastin and caffeine from green tea. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cellulite

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, accumulation of subcutaneous fat, cellulitis, from cellule cell + -ite -itis

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cellulite was in 1968

Phrases Containing cellulite

Rhymes for cellulite

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Browse Nearby Words

celluli-
cellulite
cellulitis
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Cite this Entry

“Cellulite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cellulite

noun
cel·​lu·​lite ˈsel-yə-ˌlīt How to pronounce cellulite (audio) -ˌlēt How to pronounce cellulite (audio)
: deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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