noun / verb
dint
A small hollow caused by impact, or the act of making one.
A small dint in the metal lid catches the light.
Etymology
Old English dynt meant a blow. The name shifted from the impact to the mark it leaves, identifying a small hollow pressed or struck into a surface.
More examples
- A falling wrench dints the soft aluminum panel.
- The old toolbox has several dints from years of use.
- She accidentally dinted the tray when she dropped a mug.
Forms
dint · dints · dinted · dinting
Similar words
- dent
- The more common word for the same impact hollow.
- indentation
- A depression or notch, not necessarily caused by impact.