rumple

American  

[ruhm-puhl] / ˈrʌm pəl /

verb (used with object)

rumpled, rumpling

1. to crumple or crush into wrinkles.

   to rumple a sheet of paper.

   Synonyms:

   muss, crease, wrinkle

2. to ruffle; tousle (sometimes followed byup ).

   The wind rumpled her hair.

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verb (used without object)

rumpled, rumpling

1. to become wrinkled or crumpled.

   Tissue rumples easily.

noun

1. a wrinkle or irregular fold; crease.

rumple British  

/ ˈrʌmpəl /

verb

1. to make or become wrinkled, crumpled, ruffled, or dishevelled

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noun

1. a wrinkle, fold, or crease

Other Word Forms

• rumply adjective
• unrumpled adjective

Etymology

Origin of rumple

1595–1605; < Dutch rompelen (v.), rompel (noun)

Example Sentences

His hair was slicked back, and he was dressed like he intended to go to the show, in a vintage-cut, slightly rumpled suit, his suspenders exposed.

From Literature

“She’s always got her fur rumpled about something,” Pebble grumbles.

From Literature

A photo circulated of a humiliated Mr. Maduro in a rumpled track suit and handcuffs in U.S. custody.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the new clothes they could not afford now rumpled and covered with grit, the bedraggled Babushkinovs and their quiet but unusually alert governess arrived in Saint Petersburg at last.

From Literature

It was muddy and rumpled and stuck all over with bits of hay.

From Literature

Related Words

• derange
• dishevel