noun

kink

KIHNGK

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Kink (noun) means a tight twist or bend in something that is normally straight, such as hair, rope, or wire. Example: “She ironed the shirt to smooth out a stubborn kink in the collar.”

noun

A tight twist or bend in something that is normally straight, such as hair, rope, or wire.

"She ironed the shirt to smooth out a stubborn kink in the collar."

"There was a kink in the garden hose stopping the water from flowing."

A small flaw or snag in a plan, system, or process that needs to be fixed before it runs smoothly.

"The team is still working out the kinks in the new software."

An unconventional sexual preference or taste.

"Every couple has their own kinks and boundaries to discuss."

How to use kink

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA twist, glitch, or (informally) an unusual sexual taste — the common thread is a bend or deviation from what's straight or standard.

Common mistake

In everyday writing, "work out the kinks" (fix small problems) is far more common than the sexual sense — context makes the meaning clear.

Common pairings

work out the kinks a kink in the plan a kink in the hose

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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: kinks
Third person singular: kinks
Past tense: kinked

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She ironed the shirt to smooth out a stubborn _____ in the collar.

Etymology

Borrowed into English from Dutch or Low German "kink," originally describing a twist in a rope, likely related to an older Germanic word for a sharp turn or bend.

Origin: Germanic

Synonyms

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rick twist crick twirl wrick

Related words

form turn woman river construction dance wind pull

Rhymes for kink

ink pink link mink sink wink dink fink rink tink bink skink

See all rhymes for kink →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kink” mean?

The word “kink” means a tight twist or bend in something that is normally straight, such as hair, rope, or wire.

How do you pronounce “kink”?

“Kink” is pronounced KIHNGK (/ˈkɪŋk/ in IPA).

How do you use “kink” in a sentence?

Here is “kink” used in a sentence: “She ironed the shirt to smooth out a stubborn kink in the collar.”

What part of speech is “kink”?

“Kink” is a noun.

Where does the word “kink” come from?

The word “kink” comes from Germanic. Borrowed into English from Dutch or Low German "kink," originally describing a twist in a rope, likely related to an older Germanic word for a sharp turn or bend.

How many meanings does “kink” have?

“Kink” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tight twist or bend in something that is normally straight, such as hair, rope, or wire.

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