noun
dimple
DIHM-puhl
Dimple (noun) means a small natural indentation in the skin, especially near the corners of the mouth or on the cheek. Example: “He has a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles.”
noun
1
A small natural indentation in the skin, especially near the corners of the mouth or on the cheek.
"He has a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles."
"Their baby has the same dimple as her father."
2
A small dent or indentation in any surface.
"Golf balls are covered in tiny dimples to improve their flight."
verb
1
To form a small indentation, or to show a dimple by smiling.
"Her cheeks dimpled as she grinned."
How to use dimple
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small dent — most often the charming crease that appears on a cheek when someone smiles.
Common pairings
cheek dimple
dimple when smiling
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Word forms
- Plural
- dimples
- Third person singular
- dimples
- Past tense
- dimpled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He has a _____ on his left cheek when he smiles.
Etymology
From Old English "*dympel", "a pit or hollow", related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "deep" or "hollow".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dimple
See all rhymes for dimple →Frequently asked questions
What does “dimple” mean?
The word “dimple” means a small natural indentation in the skin, especially near the corners of the mouth or on the cheek. In plain terms, a small dent — most often the charming crease that appears on a cheek when someone smiles.
How do you pronounce “dimple”?
“Dimple” is pronounced DIHM-puhl (/ˈdɪm.pəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “dimple” in a sentence?
Here is “dimple” used in a sentence: “He has a dimple on his left cheek when he smiles.”
What part of speech is “dimple”?
Depending on how it is used, “dimple” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dimple” come from?
The word “dimple” comes from Old English. From Old English "*dympel", "a pit or hollow", related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "deep" or "hollow".
How many meanings does “dimple” have?
“Dimple” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small natural indentation in the skin, especially near the corners of the mouth or on the cheek.
