Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having many small folds or wrinkles; uneven in surface due to these folds: Describes something that is not smooth but instead has many fine, often irregular, creases or ridges.
   • Curly or wavy in form: Can describe hair or other materials that form small, tight waves or bends.

Usage

• The word "crinkly" is used to describe the physical texture or appearance of surfaces, materials, or hair. It often implies a pleasant or interesting texture rather than a flaw.
• It is typically placed before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like "be" or "look" (predicative use).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She smiled, her eyes becoming crinkly at the corners.
  • The package was wrapped in crinkly cellophane that made a rustling sound.
  • He has a head of thick, crinkly hair.

Advanced Usage

• "crinkly texture": A common collocation emphasizing the tactile quality.
  • I love the crinkly texture of some types of handmade paper.
• Used to evoke sensory details, especially sound () and sight.

Variants and Related Words

• Crinkle (verb/noun): To form small folds or wrinkles, or the fold itself.
  • The old map will crinkle if you don't handle it carefully.
• Crinkled (adjective): Similar to "crinkly," often interchangeable.
  • She smoothed out the crinkled letter.

Synonyms

• Wrinkled: Having folds or lines (often used for skin or fabric).
• Crimped: Pressed into small, regular folds or waves.
• Rippled: Having a wavy surface.
• Crisp (in specific contexts like "crisp leaves"): Firm and making a sharp sound when crushed, which can be crinkly.

Antonyms

• Smooth: Having an even, regular surface without folds.
• Flat: Level and without curves or wrinkles.
• Straight (for hair): Not curly or wavy.

Adjective

1. uneven by virtue of having wrinkles or waves