rimple: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary
Quick answer
What does “rimple” mean?
A small wrinkle or crease.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small wrinkle or crease; to form into wrinkles.
Often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe subtle textures, signs of aging, or minor irregularities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or poetic in both varieties, with no distinct regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “rimple” in a Sentence
Transitive: to rimple somethingIntransitive: something rimpolesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rimple” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old parchment rimpoled at the edges.
- Her skirt rimpoled after sitting for hours.
American English
- The cotton shirt rimpoled in the dryer.
- His forehead rimpoled with concern.
adjective
British English
- She wore a rimpled blouse to the garden party.
- The map was rimpled from frequent use.
American English
- He had a rimpled tie after the long flight.
- The document was rimpled and yellowed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; not typical in business contexts.
Academic
Occasionally found in literary, historical, or textile studies.
Everyday
Very uncommon in everyday speech.
Technical
Might appear in dermatology or textiles to describe fine wrinkles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rimple”
- Confusing 'rimple' with 'rumple' (which implies messiness) or overusing it instead of more common 'wrinkle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered rare and is mostly used in literary or formal contexts.
Yes, as a noun it means a wrinkle, and as a verb it means to cause or form wrinkles.
'Rimple' is less common and often has a more delicate or poetic nuance, while 'wrinkle' is standard and widely used.
It is pronounced /ˈrɪmpəl/ in both varieties, with no significant difference.
A small wrinkle or crease.
Rimple is usually literary in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'rimple' rhyming with 'simple'—a simple, small wrinkle.
Conceptual Metaphor
Wrinkles as traces of time or experience, often conveying age or wear.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'rimple'?