verb / noun
rumple
RUM-puhl/ˈrʌmpl/
A creased or untidy state, or making something this way.
The man rumples the smooth shirt by bunching its fabric in both hands.
Etymology
Its origin is uncertain, but it may be a variant of rimple, “to wrinkle,” from an Old English noun meaning “wrinkle.” That possible connection links rumpling with making something uneven through folds.
More examples
- Packing too tightly rumpled the shirts in my suitcase.
- The sheets lie in a rumple on the bed.
- She smooths the rumples out of her skirt.
Forms
rumple · rumples · rumpled · rumpling
Similar words
- wrinkle
- Emphasizes small creases rather than a generally untidy appearance.
- crumple
- Suggests crushing or collapsing something into an irregular shape.
- tousle
- Usually describes making hair untidy rather than creasing material.