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

She laughed with a dimpled smile and was easy to talk to.

From Los Angeles Times

When I met an Australian guy named Aaron out at a gay bar one night, it felt easy and light; we bantered well, and he had big dimples, and I was myself.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Close, soft-spoken and warm with a dimpled smile, was raised in Collyweston, with family roots that go back 400 years here.

From New York Times

Exactly how currents and sediments move over the dimpled surface of the Sur Pockmark Field is still unknown.

From Science Daily

I don’t mind if you take out a couple of dimples in the thighs, however, but I really didn’t want it,” King said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• divot