WordGarden.iokink
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɪŋk/
US
Meanings
Noun
a sharp bend, twist, or tight curl in something flexible
(informal)an unconventional sexual preference or practice
a minor problem or flaw that needs to be fixed
More meaningsFewer meanings
a painful stiffness or cramp in a muscle
Verb
to form or cause a sharp bend or twist
Beyond the definition
A "kink" can be a real bend or twist in something, like a kink in a garden hose that blocks the water. It is also often used for an unusual preference, most often in sexual or relationship talk. In that sense, it usually refers to a consensual interest that is outside what many people see as usual.
You may also hear people talk about "ironing out the kinks" in a plan, product, or project. There, the word means small problems that still need to be fixed before everything works smoothly.
The word "kink" has a few common meanings, and context matters a lot. At its most basic, it means a bend, twist, or tight curl in something physical, such as a rope, wire, hose, or even your neck. "There is a kink in the cable" suggests that something is bent in a way that may cause trouble. "I woke up with a kink in my neck" is also a familiar everyday use.
In modern English, the word is also widely used for an unusual personal preference, especially in sexual or relationship contexts. In this sense, it usually refers to a consensual interest that is outside what is seen as ordinary or mainstream. Because this meaning is personal, it should be used with care and with a clear understanding that consent is central.
There is also a broader problem-solving use. When people say they are "ironing out the kinks," they mean they are fixing small problems, weak spots, or awkward parts in a system, product, or plan. This use is common in work, design, and everyday conversation.
So the word can point to a simple physical bend, a personal preference, or a small problem that still needs attention. That wide range is why the setting and tone of the conversation are so important.
Examples
- 1
Garden hose
The garden hose has a kink in it, so the water is barely coming out.
- 2
Hair
She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to smooth out the kinks.
- 3
Neck pain
I woke up with a kink in my neck after sleeping on the couch.
- 4
Planning problem
There is one small kink in our plan: we need a driver for Saturday.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Problem solving
The new booking system works, but we still need to iron out a few kinks.
- Phraseiron out the kinks
fix small problems
- 6
Sexual interests
They talked openly about their dating preferences and kinks.
- Usagekinks
unusual sexual interests; informal
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- straightness
- smooth curve
Used with (collocations)
- kink in a hose
- kink in the cable
- work out the kinks
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- kinknounverb
Forms
- kinkspluralnounverb
- kinkedpast tenseverbnoun
- kinking-ing formverbnoun