What does kinking mean?
Kinking is the present-participle form of the verb “kink,” meaning to form a sharp bend, twist, or curl. It is most often used of relatively stiff but flexible materials, particularly electrical cables, hoses, ropes, wires, and piping. A kinked cable may restrict movement, interrupt electrical conduction, or become difficult to handle, so the verb often carries a practical implication that the material is twisted in an undesirable way. The expression can also be used more broadly for anything that becomes sharply contorted. Kinking is different from simply bending because it suggests a pronounced, often irregular bend or twist rather than a smooth curve. The related noun “kink” names the bend itself, while “kinky” is an established adjective with both a general meaning relating to twists and a more informal meaning relating to unconventional personal or sexual preferences.
verbTo form a sharp bend or twist in something, especially a cable, hose, or other flexible material.
- To form a sharp bend or twist, especially in a cable, hose, or other flexible material.
"The thick cable kept kinking as the workers pulled it through the narrow passage."
"The thick cable kept kinking as the workers pulled it through the narrow passage."
"The old garden hose was kinking whenever the water pressure rose."
A cable can be coiled perfectly and still kink the moment it is pulled.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kinking come from?
“Kinking” is formed by adding the present-participle suffix “-ing” to “kink.” The deeper origin of “kink” is not securely established in standard etymological references, although its oldest recorded uses relate to bends or twists in rope and similar materials.
Related word forms
How kinking is actually used
Kinking is used mainly for flexible objects that bend or twist sharply. It is especially common in technical contexts involving cables, hoses, wires, and piping.
Easily confused with kinking
Kinking describes the action of forming a sharp bend, whereas a kink is the bend or twist itself.