WordGarden.iocrimp
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈɪmp/
US
- /ˈkrɪmp/
Meanings
Verb
to press or shape something into small folds, ridges, or waves
to restrict, hinder, or reduce something
to fasten a wire, connector, or metal part by squeezing it into shape
Noun
a small fold, ridge, or wave made in hair, fabric, or another material
a crimped joint, connector, or sleeve used to fasten parts together
a small climbing hold or bent-finger grip on a small edge
Beyond the definition
Think of the edge of a pie—that's often crimped! To crimp something means to bend, fold, or press it into small waves or ridges. Bakers crimp pie crusts to make them look pretty and help them hold their shape. But you can also crimp someone's style, meaning to limit or restrict their freedom or expression. Similarly, an unexpected problem might put a crimp in your plans, acting as a setback.
Crimps aren't always intentional! Sometimes hair gets crimped after being braided or slept on, and paper can get crimped from being folded and unfolded repeatedly. The word can also refer to a pinched bend or pressed dent in wire or sheet metal, often made with a tool to fasten parts together (like crimping a connector onto a wire). Whether you're making a pie, joining electrical wires, or limiting someone's flair, crimp involves a deliberate (or accidental) folding or restriction.
The word "crimp" has a surprising number of meanings, all revolving around the idea of bending, pressing, or restricting. Most commonly, it refers to creating small, regular folds or ridges along an edge—think of the decorative border on a pie crust. A baker might crimp the edges of a tart with a fork to create a visually appealing and structurally sound finish.
But "crimp" isn't limited to baking! In the world of hair styling, crimping involves using a heat tool to create tiny, jagged waves. In technical fields, an electrician or mechanic might crimp a metal connector onto a cable to secure a tight, permanent connection. You can even crimp fabric, creating a textured, pleated effect.
Beyond the physical act of bending, "crimp" is frequently used figuratively. To crimp someone's style means to inhibit their behavior or flair—for example, "The strict office dress code really crimped his style." In a similar vein, you might say a sudden rainstorm put a crimp in your weekend plans, meaning it hindered or spoiled them.
In rock climbing, a crimp is also a kind of grip: you hang onto a small edge by bending your fingers sharply, which can feel pretty intense.
Historically, "crimp" also had a darker meaning: it referred to an agent who specialized in tricking or forcing men into naval or merchant service, often through deception or coercion. These "crimps" were notorious in port cities for their unscrupulous tactics. Thankfully, this usage is largely a relic of the past. So, whether you're decorating a pie, securing a wire, or dealing with a lifestyle restriction, "crimp" suggests a versatile blend of physical folding and figurative limitation.
Examples
- 1
Baking
She crimped the edge of the pie crust with a fork.
- 2
Hair styling
He crimped his hair for the party.
- 3
Electrical wiring
Make sure the metal connector is firmly crimped onto the wire.
- 4
Fabric crease
There was a crimp in the tablecloth where it had been folded.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business plans
Rising costs have crimped the company's hiring plans.
- Patterncrimp + plan/activity
limit it or make it harder
- 6
Travel plans
The storm put a crimp in our weekend trip.
- Phraseput a crimp in + plan/event
cause a problem for it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- crimpverbnoun
Forms
- crimpedpast tenseverbnoun
- crimping-ing formverbnoun
- crimpsverbnoun