dimple

[ dim-puhl ]

noun

1. a small, natural hollow area or crease, permanent or transient, in some soft part of the human body, especially one formed in the cheek in smiling.
2. any similar slight depression.

verb (used with object)

, dim·pled, dim·pling.

1. to mark with or as if with dimples; produce dimples in:

   A smile dimpled her face.

2. Metalworking.
   1. to dent (a metal sheet) so as to permit use of bolts or rivets with countersunk heads.
   2. to mark (a metal object) with a drill point as a guide for further drilling.

verb (used without object)

, dim·pled, dim·pling.

1. to form or show dimples.

dimple

/ ˈdɪmpəl /

noun

1. a small natural dent or crease in the flesh, esp on the cheeks or chin
2. any slight depression in a surface
3. a bubble or dent in glass

verb

1. to make or become dimpled
2. intr to produce dimples by smiling

Derived Forms

• ˈdimply, adjective

Other Words From

• dimply adjective
• un·dimpled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dimple¹

1350–1400; Middle English dimpel, Old English *dympel; cognate with German Tümpel pool

Word History and Origins

Origin of dimple¹

C13 dympull; compare Old English dyppan to dip, German Tümpel pool

Example Sentences

The dimple pattern has fewer dimples, which cuts down on wind drag as the ball cuts through the air for maximum flight time.

From Popular-Science

The unique dimple pattern on the ball helps keep the ball on a straighter path through the air, which is good if you have a hook, or more likely, a slice.

From Popular-Science

There are no dimples or edges in the rock to put her toes on.

From Outside Online

I want to take it away from her to refill the dimples, but I also don’t want to break her heart.

From Outside Online

Air flowing over those dimples can have a pronounced effect on the trajectory of a ball as it flies through the air.

From Popular-Science

If there was a rough cellulite dimple, we might take it out.

From The Daily Beast

Devastated, Walt sidles up to the bar and orders one last Dimple Pinch, neat.

From The Daily Beast

When the salt starts to pop (from the water trapped in the salt crystal), slap down your burger, dimple side up.

From The Daily Beast

The woman who stepped off the elevator smiled, showing a lovely dimple, and Anson beamed on her.

From Project Gutenberg

But yet I could have sworn I saw a dimple in her cheek through the mask, and a smile of mockery on her lips.

From Project Gutenberg

My fair vis-a-vis looked me now full in the face and smiled, so that a dimple in her right cheek was plainly visible.

From Project Gutenberg

Just then Miss Dimple appeared at the door with an uncertain smile.

From Project Gutenberg

"I like to sit and think in the dark," she explained, and her one dimple broke in a rich, brown-faced animal smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• divot