What does crinkling mean?
Crinkling describes the process by which something — usually thin, pliable material like paper, foil, fabric, or cellophane — develops small, irregular creases and folds. It also denotes the characteristic soft rustling sound such materials make when handled, which is why phrases like 'the crinkling of wrappers' or 'dry leaves crinkling underfoot' feel so natural. Beyond physical objects, the word has an affectionate figurative life: when someone smiles warmly, their eyes are said to be 'crinkling' at the corners, an image widely used in fiction to signal genuine happiness or suppressed laughter. As a present participle of the verb 'crinkle', crinkling functions grammatically as part of continuous verb forms, though it can also serve as a noun for the act or sound itself. Its tone is generally gentle and evocative, making it a favourite of descriptive writers who want readers to hear as well as see a scene.
To form or cause small, irregular creases or folds in a surface; to make a soft rustling sound in doing so; also, of eyes, to pucker or tighten, especially in smiling.
"The old letter was crinkling in her hands as she read it aloud."
Usually used transitively or intransitively as the present participle of 'crinkle'; common in continuous forms such as 'was crinkling' or 'kept crinkling'.
A crinkled formation or texture, or the act or sound of crinkling.
"A faint crinkling came from the pile of discarded wrapping paper."
Rarely pluralised in practice; 'crinklings' would refer to multiple instances of crinkled formations or sounds, but writers more often speak of 'creases' or 'folds' in the plural.
"The map's surface bore countless tiny crinklings from years of being folded."
Your ears know this word before your eyes do — that unmistakable rustle of cellophane, autumn leaves, or gift wrap is pure crinkling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crinkling
Crinkle first appeared in English in the late sixteenth century, likely as a frequentative form — a verb expressing repeated action — built on the older verb 'crincle' or related to the root behind 'cringe', which traces back to Old English 'cringan', meaning to bend, give way, or fall. The same Germanic root family also gave English 'crank'. The noun 'crinkle' and adjective 'crinkly' developed later as natural derivatives, with 'crinkling' emerging as their participial form.
Related word forms
How crinkling is actually used
Crinkling is most commonly encountered as the present participle of the verb 'crinkle' rather than as an independent noun. The figurative use with eyes — 'eyes crinkling with amusement' — is a well-established idiom conveying warmth and genuine emotion, since authentic smiles engage the muscles around the eyes. The word carries a light, often cosy or pleasant connotation, unlike 'wrinkling', which can suggest ageing or damage.
Easily confused with crinkling
Wrinkling refers to lines or creases typically associated with skin or fabric from age or pressure, while crinkling refers to smaller, crispier folds and often to a distinctive rustling sound.
Twinkling means flashing or sparkling intermittently (as with stars), whereas crinkling describes folding into creases or making a papery rustle.
Crackling is a series of sharp snapping sounds (as of fire or static), while crinkling is the softer rustle of material being folded or crushed.