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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 notes

In plain EnglishA small dent — most often the charming crease that appears on a cheek when someone smiles.

Common pairings
cheek dimple dimple when smiling

Word forms

dimpled past tense, dimples plural, dimples singular

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

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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".

Origin: Old English

dimpled chad pregnant chad

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial