WordGarden.iodimple
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɪmpəl/
US
- /ˈdɪmpəl/
Meanings
Noun
a small natural hollow in the cheek, chin, or skin
a small hollow or indentation in a surface
Verb
to form or mark something with small hollows
Beyond the definition
A dimple is that adorable little indentation you sometimes see on a person's cheek, especially when they smile! It's often considered a charming facial feature. But a dimple isn't always on a face—it can also be a small hollow or depression in a surface. Think of the dimples on a golf ball, designed to help it fly farther. So, while we usually associate them with smiles and sweetness, dimples simply describe a slight indentation.
Think of a perfectly baked cookie—sometimes you press your thumb into the dough before baking, creating little dimples! Or imagine stepping in soft sand; your heel leaves small dimples behind. A mischievous grin might reveal dimples, making someone look even more endearing.
A dimple is most commonly known as a small, shallow hollow that appears on some people's cheeks, particularly when they smile. These charming indentations are caused by variations in the facial muscles and aren't something you can create or get rid of easily—they're often considered an inherited trait! Seeing someone with dimples flash a smile is frequently described as endearing or cute.
However, "dimple" isn't limited to just faces. The word also refers to any small indentation or hollow on a surface. Golf balls have dimples designed to reduce drag and increase distance. Upholstery can develop dimples from repeated use. Even the surface of water can be covered in tiny dimples created by raindrops.
In addition to cheeks, dimples can also appear on the chin (often called a cleft chin) or even on the lower back, where they are known as "dimples of Venus." These examples show how the word's meaning includes many natural indentations on the human body, and they highlight how the term can describe any subtle dip in an otherwise smooth surface.
So, whether you're admiring a sweet smile, analyzing the aerodynamics of a golf ball, or noticing wear and tear on furniture, remember that a dimple signifies a small indentation. It can be a sign of beauty, functionality, or just the passage of time.
Examples
- 1
Facial expression
A deep dimple appeared in her cheek when she smiled.
- 2
Baby cheeks
The baby had dimples in both cheeks.
- 3
Golf ball
The dimples on a golf ball help it travel farther.
- 4
Water surface
Raindrops dimpled the surface of the lake.
- Patterndimple the surface
make small hollow marks in it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- bump
- smooth skin
Used with (collocations)
- cheek dimple
- chin dimple
- dimples when smiling
Word family
Explore
- facial feature
- smile line
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dimplenounverb
Forms
- dimplespluralnounverb
- dimpledpast tenseverbnoun
- dimpling-ing formverbnoun