corrugated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, descriptive, formal, commercial.
Quick answer
What does “corrugated” mean?
Shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves; having a wavy surface.
Used metaphorically to describe anything that is wrinkled, furrowed, or has a ridged texture, either physically or abstractly (e.g., a 'corrugated' brow from worry).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Associated primarily with industrial, agricultural, or construction materials (e.g., roofing, siding). Can have a slightly dated or rustic connotation.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in commercial/industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corrugated” in a Sentence
[be] corrugated[made of] corrugated [material]corrugated [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corrugated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The machine corrugates the metal sheets to add structural strength.
- His forehead corrugated in thought.
American English
- The factory corrugates steel for roofing panels.
- The arid landscape was deeply corrugated by erosion.
adverb
British English
- The sheet was pressed corrugatedly to form the channels.
- Not used adverbially in standard British English.
American English
- Not used adverbially in standard American English.
adjective
British English
- The old shed had a roof of weathered corrugated iron.
- We packed the fragile items in strong corrugated cardboard.
American English
- They built a temporary shelter using corrugated steel siding.
- The corrugated surface of the road made for a bumpy ride.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a type of packaging or low-cost building material (e.g., 'We ship in corrugated boxes').
Academic
Used in materials science, engineering, and architecture to describe specific structural forms.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered when describing roofing materials or cardboard boxes.
Technical
Describes a specific manufacturing process that adds strength and rigidity to materials.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corrugated”
- Using 'corrugated' to mean 'crumpled' (a random crease) instead of 'systematically ridged'.
- Misspelling as 'corrogated' or 'corugated'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'corrugated iron' is a classic example, the term applies to any material shaped into parallel ridges (e.g., cardboard, plastic, steel).
To increase its strength and rigidity without adding significant weight or thickness.
'Corrugated' usually refers to stiffer materials (metal, hard plastic) with a structural purpose. 'Pleated' typically refers to softer, flexible materials (fabric, paper) folded for decoration or compactness.
Yes, but it's literary or metaphorical. Phrases like 'a corrugated brow' describe deep, parallel wrinkles of worry or concentration.
Shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves.
Corrugated is usually technical, descriptive, formal, commercial. in register.
Corrugated: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒr.ə.ɡeɪ.tɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Corrugated brow (furrowed brow from concern)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROcodile's RUGGED, scaly back – CRO-RUG-ated.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS RIGIDITY / The surface of worry is corrugated.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most accurately described as 'corrugated'?