crimple: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic, Dialectal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “crimple” mean?
To cause to become wrinkled, crinkled, or crumpled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause to become wrinkled, crinkled, or crumpled.
To fold or press into small, irregular folds or ridges; to pucker or rumple. Can also refer to the act of curling or frizzing hair.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties. In British English, it may have slightly more recognition as a dialectal term, particularly in Northern England and Scotland. In American English, it is almost exclusively a historical or literary word.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of antiquity, quaintness, or specific manual processes (like fabric treatment or hair styling).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary corpora for both BrE and AmE. It is not part of modern active vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “crimple” in a Sentence
[Subject] crimples [Object] (e.g., The heat crimpled the parchment).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crimple” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old map had begun to crimple at the edges.
- She tried not to crimple the delicate silk with her hands.
American English
- The intense desert sun will crimple any untreated leather.
- He absently crimpled the letter while he thought.
adverb
British English
- The ribbon fell crimpledly onto the floor.
- The paper curled crimpledly in the fire's heat.
American English
- The foil was pressed crimpledly into the mold.
- Her hair dried crimpledly in the humid air.
adjective
British English
- The crimple-edged parchment was centuries old.
- She had a head of beautifully crimple hair.
American English
- They found the document in a crimple state.
- The fabric had a deliberate crimple texture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, only in historical linguistics or textile history discussions.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Possibly in very niche historical descriptions of fabric or paper treatment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crimple”
- Using it in modern contexts where 'wrinkle' or 'crumple' is expected.
- Assuming it is a common verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or dialectal. Modern synonyms like 'wrinkle', 'crumple', or 'crinkle' are used instead.
Historically, yes, it could refer to a fold or wrinkle, but this usage is even rarer than the verb form and not part of contemporary English.
'Crumple' often implies a more forceful, crushing action resulting in major disfigurement (e.g., crumple a ball of paper). 'Crimple' suggests smaller, finer wrinkles or puckers, often on a surface.
For active use, no. It is important for learners to recognize it as a low-frequency, historical word. Your focus should be on its modern synonyms for production.
To cause to become wrinkled, crinkled, or crumpled.
Crimple is usually archaic, dialectal, literary in register.
Crimple: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪmp(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪmpəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CRIMP' (to press into small folds) + 'dimPLE' (a small fold in the skin). 'Crimple' is to make small crimps or dimples in something.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMOOTHNESS IS ORDER / WRINKLING IS DISORDER OR AGE. Crimpling introduces disorder to a smooth surface.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'crimple' MOST likely to be found today?