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

Sometimes I grow my beard in, but sometimes I like showing my dimple.

From New York Times

He lay back on the bed and smiled, and a dimple appeared on his cheek.

From New York Times

"That is a pimple on a dimple on an ant's left cheek compared to what we need in the world," Banga said.

From Reuters

Dimple has questioned the claim, saying that they had provided copies of their identity proof to the gurdwara so there was no reason for confusion.

From BBC

Dimple, 27 - who uses the pronoun he - and Manisha, 21, married in Bathinda city on 18 September with the blessings of their families - something that's highly unusual in a conservative country like India.

From BBC

Related Words

• divot