What does creasing mean?
Creasing refers to the formation of folds, lines, or wrinkles in a flexible surface — most commonly paper, fabric, or skin. It appears both as a verb form (the present participle of "to crease") and as a noun naming the process itself: packing a suitcase carefully prevents the creasing of shirts, while careless storage leaves books with creasing down their spines. The word carries largely negative connotations, since creases are usually unwanted; garment labels urge ironing "to avoid creasing," and dermatological contexts use the term for the wrinkling of skin around the eyes or mouth over time. In sports, particularly cricket, "creasing" can also describe a batter taking up position at the crease, though this sense is narrower. Related forms include "crease" (the noun for the fold itself), "creased" (adjective), and "creaseless." The word is standard in both British and American English, everyday in register, and useful precisely because it names a familiar phenomenon that ordinary vocabulary handles awkwardly.
The action or result of forming a crease or creases; folds or wrinkles collectively.
"The tailor pressed the trousers carefully to remove any creasing from shipping."
Present participle of crease: to make a fold, line, or wrinkle in something.
"She folded the map without creasing the corners."
Rarely used in the plural; the uncountable form "creasing" is strongly preferred except when referring to multiple distinct instances of folding in technical or descriptive writing.
"The old manuscript showed numerous creasings along its margins from centuries of handling."
That sharp crease in your dress trousers is literally a permanent memory burned into the fabric — pressed so many times the fibres have forgotten how to lie flat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of creasing
Creasing derives from the verb "crease," which entered English in the early 15th century, likely from Old English or Old Norse sources related to forming ridges or folds; some etymologists connect it ultimately to Latin "crista" (crest), via Germanic borrowing. The noun "crease" for a fold or ridge appeared soon after, and the present participle "creasing" naturally followed. Cognate forms appear across the Germanic languages, all sharing the core idea of a raised line or ridge.
Related word forms
How creasing is actually used
"Creasing" is most often used as the present participle of the verb "crease," but it also functions as a noun for the process itself (as on care labels: "iron to avoid creasing"). It carries a mildly negative connotation when applied to clothing or skin — creasing is generally something to be prevented or minimised. In technical textile contexts, "creasing" may describe an undesirable property of a fabric (its tendency to hold unwanted folds).
Easily confused with creasing
Greasing means applying grease or fat to something, whereas creasing means making a fold or line in it.
Ceasing means stopping an action entirely, while creasing refers to forming a fold or wrinkle.