What does pucker mean?
Pucker describes both an action and a resulting shape. As a verb, it means to contract or draw together, usually creating small folds or wrinkles: one may pucker one's lips, purse them tightly, or pucker a piece of fabric. The movement is especially noticeable in the mouth and face, and it can communicate a wide range of impressions, from concentration and uncertainty to displeasure or anticipation. As a noun, a pucker is a crease, fold, or gathered area, especially in skin or cloth. The related expression pucker up is familiar from instructions to prepare for a kiss, though it can also mean to brace oneself for an unpleasant experience. Pucker is used in both British and American English and is generally neutral in tone.
To draw together or contract so as to form folds or wrinkles, especially in the lips or face.
"He puckered his lips and shook his head."
Often used with the lips, mouth, face, or material such as fabric.
A small fold, crease, or gathered area formed in the skin, fabric, or another surface; also the pursed shape of the lips.
"The curtain was pulled into a pucker by the breeze."
Can be used literally for a physical fold or figuratively for a puckered facial expression.
The plural is used for multiple folds or creases, or for multiple pursed facial expressions.
"She made a few puckers with her lips while considering the offer."
A pucker is the tiny facial adjustment that can convey uncertainty, displeasure, concentration, or an invitation to kiss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pucker come from?
The English word pucker is recorded by the 16th century and has long been used for making the lips or face contract into folds. Its deeper origin is not certain, and proposed links with similarly sounding words in other Germanic languages should be treated cautiously. Modern forms such as puckered and puckering developed directly from the verb.
Related word forms
How pucker is actually used
The verb is common in informal and descriptive contexts, especially for the lips and face. The noun can refer to a literal fold or crease in fabric or skin, and more figuratively to a puckered facial expression.
Easily confused with pucker
A pucker is a fold or pursed shape, whereas a puck is a small disk used in hockey or other games.