grimace

American  

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] / ˈgrɪm əs, grɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

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verb (used without object)

grimaced, grimacing

1. to make a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.

grimace British  

/ ɡrɪˈmeɪs /

noun

1. an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to contort the face

Other Word Forms

• grimacer noun
• grimacingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of grimace

First recorded in 1645–55; from French, ultimately from Frankish grima (unrecorded) “mask” ( grim, grime ) + -azo, from Latin -āceus -aceous

Example Sentences

“I know where it is,” he said through the grimace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Charles, who responded with a playful grimace, quipped: "Yes well, all that's left of him anyway."

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2025

“I think that smile, it wasn’t like a — it was like an ‘ooh’, you know, like, one of those,” Cunningham said, making a grimace.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

Eyebrows dance above her piercing eyes as her mouth stretches into a toothy grin that’s part smile, part grimace.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2024

Finally he straightened himself with a slight grimace.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• contort
• frown
• scowl
• smirk
• sneer