noun

cellulite

SEHL-yuu-lyt

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Cellulite (noun) means a dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat pushing against connective tissue underneath, often on the thighs or hips. Example: “Many skincare products claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite.”

noun

A dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat pushing against connective tissue underneath, often on the thighs or hips.

"Many skincare products claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite."

How to use cellulite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe lumpy, dimpled skin texture some people get, usually on the thighs or buttocks, caused by fat pressing against tissue below the skin.

Common mistake

Not the same as cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection — the names look alike but the conditions are unrelated.

Easily confused with

cellulitis →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: cellulites

Test yourself on “cellulite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Many skincare products claim to reduce the appearance of _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from French cellulite, formed from cellule ("small cell") plus the medical-sounding suffix "-ite"; first used in the 1960s.

Origin: French · First attested 1960

Class of 1960 cellulite joined the language around 1960.

bogart Camelot cyborg dickhead dipshit

See the full Class of 1960 →

Rhymes for cellulite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site twite white write trite smite

See all rhymes for cellulite →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cellulite” mean?

The word “cellulite” means a dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat pushing against connective tissue underneath, often on the thighs or hips.

How do you pronounce “cellulite”?

“Cellulite” is pronounced SEHL-yuu-lyt (/ˈsɛl.jə.laɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “cellulite” in a sentence?

Here is “cellulite” used in a sentence: “Many skincare products claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite.”

What part of speech is “cellulite”?

“Cellulite” is a noun.

Where does the word “cellulite” come from?

The word “cellulite” dates back to around 1960 and comes from French. Borrowed from French cellulite, formed from cellule ("small cell") plus the medical-sounding suffix "-ite"; first used in the 1960s.