kink
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.”
How to use kink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA twist, glitch, or (informally) an unusual sexual taste — the common thread is a bend or deviation from what's straight or standard.
In everyday writing, "work out the kinks" (fix small problems) is far more common than the sexual sense — context makes the meaning clear.
Word forms
kinked past tense, kinked past tense, kinks plural, kinks plural, kinks singular, kinks singular
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.
Related words
Rhymes for kink
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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