rumple

[ ruhm-puhl ]

verb (used with object)

, rum·pled, rum·pling.

1. to crumple or crush into wrinkles:

   to rumple a sheet of paper.

   Synonyms: muss, crease, wrinkle

2. to ruffle; tousle (sometimes followed by up ):

   The wind rumpled her hair.

verb (used without object)

, rum·pled, rum·pling.

1. to become wrinkled or crumpled:

   Tissue rumples easily.

noun

1. a wrinkle or irregular fold; crease.

rumple

/ ˈrʌmpəl /

verb

1. to make or become wrinkled, crumpled, ruffled, or dishevelled

noun

1. a wrinkle, fold, or crease

Derived Forms

• ˈrumply, adjective

Other Words From

• un·rumpled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumple¹

1595–1605; < Dutch rompelen (v.), rompel (noun)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumple¹

C17: from Middle Dutch rompelen ; related to Old English gerumpen creased, wrinkled

Example Sentences

One of them, who goes by the nickname “Rumple,” said he had been kicked out of two city-leased hotels, including the Highland Gardens, a facility that Raman worked to keep open.

From Los Angeles Times

Rumple said last week that he has three tents at the underpass, which are “currently occupied by others.”

From Los Angeles Times

So I take off my makeup, rumple my hair and go to the supermarket in sweats.

From New York Times

Baba starts to rumple his hair.

From Literature

The Rumple Minze-spiked cocoa was definitely the winner.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• derange
• dishevel