wrinkle
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A small, temporary line or fold in a surface, typically skin or fabric, caused by compression, aging, or contraction.
A clever idea, trick, or piece of useful advice; an innovation or new development, especially one that solves a problem.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun form most commonly refers to physical creases. The metaphorical 'clever idea' meaning is common in informal contexts. As a verb, it often implies the action of causing or developing wrinkles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling difference in verb inflections: 'wrinkled', 'wrinkling' (shared). The 'clever idea' meaning is slightly more common in UK informal use.
Connotations
Physical wrinkles often have negative connotations related to aging (skin) or carelessness (fabric). The 'idea' meaning is positive and informal.
Frequency
Physical sense is high frequency in both; metaphorical sense is medium frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Something wrinkles (intransitive)Something wrinkles something (transitive)Something is/get wrinkled (passive/state)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A new wrinkle (a new development/idea)”
- “Iron out the wrinkles (solve the minor problems)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically for a new development or complication in a plan (e.g., 'a legal wrinkle').
Academic
Used in biology (skin, brain), materials science (fabric, surfaces), geology (rock formations).
Everyday
High frequency for discussing appearance (skin, clothes) and informal problem-solving.
Technical
In engineering/manufacturing: an unwanted surface imperfection.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The linen trousers will wrinkle if you pack them carelessly.
- She wrinkled her nose at the strong smell of cheese.
American English
- Don't sit on my suit, you'll wrinkle it.
- His forehead wrinkled in concentration.
adjective
British English
- He wore a smart but slightly wrinkled blazer.
- The wrinkled apple had fallen some time ago.
American English
- She tried to smooth out the wrinkled map.
- His wrinkled hands told a story of hard work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My shirt is wrinkled. I need to iron it.
- Grandfather has wrinkles on his face.
- This new fabric doesn't wrinkle easily.
- We've hit a slight wrinkle in our travel plans.
- The lawyer introduced a new wrinkle to the case that surprised everyone.
- The paper wrinkled where the water spilled on it.
- Researchers have discovered a fascinating new wrinkle in our understanding of quantum mechanics.
- The treaty negotiations were progressing well until a diplomatic wrinkle emerged.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'wrinkles' in a 'wRINKLed' piece of paper; the 'RINK' in the middle sounds like 'rink' where ice gets marked with lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS/INNOVATIONS ARE SURFACE FEATURES ('a new wrinkle in the theory'). PROBLEMS ARE PHYSICAL IMPERFECTIONS ('iron out the wrinkles').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'wrinkle' (as a trick) for 'хитрость' or 'уловка'—use 'trick', 'tip', 'dodge'. For skin, 'морщина' is accurate.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'wrinkle' as a direct synonym for 'problem' in formal contexts. Confusing 'wrinkle' (small fold) with 'crumple' (crush into a ball).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase uses 'wrinkle' in its metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most common for skin and fabric, it can describe any pliable surface (e.g., 'wrinkles in the foil', 'wrinkled terrain'). It also has a common metaphorical use for a clever idea or unforeseen problem.
'Wrinkle' implies one or many small lines or folds. 'Crumple' means to crush something completely out of shape, often into a loose ball (e.g., crumple a piece of paper). You can wrinkle a shirt by wearing it, but you crumple a paper to throw it away.
Yes. As a verb, it means to make or become marked with wrinkles (e.g., 'The sun wrinkled her skin', 'This material wrinkles too easily'). It is also used idiomatically ('wrinkle one's nose' to show distaste).
It is neutral but context-dependent. It means a new development or aspect. It can be positive (a clever innovation) or negative (an unforeseen complication). The context clarifies (e.g., 'a welcome new wrinkle' vs. 'an unfortunate wrinkle').