rumple

[ ruhm-puhl ]

verb (used with object)

, rum·pled, rum·pling.

1. to crumple or crush into wrinkles:

   to rumple a sheet of paper.

   Synonyms: muss, crease, wrinkle

2. to ruffle; tousle (sometimes followed by up ):

   The wind rumpled her hair.

verb (used without object)

, rum·pled, rum·pling.

1. to become wrinkled or crumpled:

   Tissue rumples easily.

noun

1. a wrinkle or irregular fold; crease.

rumple

/ ˈrʌmpəl /

verb

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

noun

1. a wrinkle, fold, or crease

Derived Forms

• ˈrumply, adjective

Other Words From

• un·rumpled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumple¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumple¹

C17: from Middle Dutch rompelen ; related to Old English gerumpen creased, wrinkled

Example Sentences

Indeed, with his innocent eyes and rumple of dark curly hair, he did.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Aymer laid down her knitting, and came forward to rumple her John's hair affectionately, and deposit a kiss on his forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Do not rumple that dainty lace pillow-sham, nor strew your clothing over every chair and sofa, to the irritation of the mistress.

From Project Gutenberg

I should have had to rumple it all up bringing it home, and I don't believe I'd had a chance to wear it.

From Project Gutenberg

I was goin' t' warn you to rumple up your hair a little so you wouldn't feel overdressed w'en you got there.

From Project Gutenberg

"It is not the woman at all," here Rumple waved the old jacket with a tragic air.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• derange
• dishevel