wrinkle

1 of 3

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 3

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

wrinkly

3 of 3

adjective

wrin·​kly ˈriŋk(ə)lē How to pronounce wrinkly (audio)
-li
-er/-est
: having wrinkles : corrugated, puckered

Synonyms of wrinkle

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Noun

Verb

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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
These days, the talk of the skin care world is serums and toners, from niacinamide to shrink pores to retinol to erase wrinkles. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 28 June 2026 This Quince top is classy, trendy, and wrinkle-resistant, which sounds pretty perfect to me. — Bria McNeal, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026
Verb
My skin looked dry and wrinkled. — Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026 The poly-blend fabric helps resist wrinkling while also feeling silky-smooth and cool to the touch. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 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

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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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on wrinkle

Nglish: Translation of wrinkle for Spanish Speakers

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