grimace

[ grim-uhs, gri-meys ]

noun

1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

verb (used without object)

, grim·aced, grim·ac·ing.

1. to make a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

grimace

/ ɡrɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc

verb

1. intr to contort the face

Derived Forms

• griˈmacer, noun
• griˈmacingly, adverb

Other Words From

• grim·ac·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimace¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from French, ultimately from Frankish grima (unrecorded) “mask” ( grim, grime ) + -azo, from Latin -āceus -aceous

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimace¹

C17: from French grimace, of Germanic origin; related to Spanish grimazo caricature; see grim

Example Sentences

Actually, she reclined for the interview, slipping off her heels and stretching out on a leather chaise under a waffle-weave blanket that she eventually cast aside with a grimace.

From Los Angeles Times

The debut of the popular "Grimace" shake in the UK has also driven excitement, executives said.

From BBC

Three batters later, the stadium went so quiet you could hear Grimace, the team’s unofficial mascot, crying in his purple fur, the Mets unable to put a dent in the nearly impenetrable back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen despite loading the bases with no outs.

From Los Angeles Times

But on vibes, no squad has matched the positive energy generated in Queens this season; from infielder Jose Iglesias’ “OMG,” pop song, the unofficial anthem of the team; to the superstitious connection that Grimace, the purple pear-shaped McDonalds mascot character, forged among the fan base after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at the start of a Mets’ regular-season winning streak.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, for that matter, the jealous, craven Guy rising to the surface, whom Stan nails hilariously with each stewing grimace.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer