noun
grimace
GRIHM-uhs
Grimace (noun) means a twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort. Example: “He winced with a grimace as the nurse cleaned the wound.”
noun
1
A twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort.
"He winced with a grimace as the nurse cleaned the wound."
verb
1
To twist one's face to express pain, distaste, or discomfort.
"She grimaced at the bitter taste of the medicine."
"He grimaced every time he put weight on his sprained ankle."
How to use grimace
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA screwed-up facial expression showing pain or disgust, or the act of making one.
Common pairings
grimace in pain
a pained grimace
grimace at the taste
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Word forms
- Plural
- grimaces
- Third person singular
- grimaces
- Past tense
- grimaced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He winced with a _____ as the nurse cleaned the wound.
Etymology
From French grimace, ultimately from a Frankish word for "mask" — the same root that gives us "grime," since a distorted face was once likened to a mask.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for grimace
See all rhymes for grimace →Frequently asked questions
What does “grimace” mean?
The word “grimace” means a twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort. In plain terms, a screwed-up facial expression showing pain or disgust, or the act of making one.
How do you pronounce “grimace”?
“Grimace” is pronounced GRIHM-uhs (/ˈɡɹɪm.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “grimace” in a sentence?
Here is “grimace” used in a sentence: “He winced with a grimace as the nurse cleaned the wound.”
What part of speech is “grimace”?
Depending on how it is used, “grimace” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grimace” come from?
The word “grimace” comes from French. From French grimace, ultimately from a Frankish word for "mask" — the same root that gives us "grime," since a distorted face was once likened to a mask.
How many meanings does “grimace” have?
“Grimace” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a twisted facial expression, usually showing pain, disgust, or discomfort.
