What does puckered mean?
To pucker is to draw something soft, especially the lips, into a tight, folded shape. People pucker their lips when preparing to kiss, tasting food, concentrating, or expressing displeasure, and the word can also describe fabric or skin that has become wrinkled or gathered. The related adjective “puckered” refers to a surface marked by small folds, as in “puckered lips” or “a puckered forehead.” The expression “pucker up” is broadly understood and appears in both conversation and playful instructions. Although its origin is uncertain, the word is fully established in modern English and is especially memorable because a small facial movement can communicate anticipation, reluctance, concentration, or displeasure before anyone speaks.
To draw the lips or another soft surface together in small folds, or to become tightly contracted.
"He puckered up his eyes as the smoke drifted toward him."
The expression “pucker up” is common in both informal and conversational English.
Gathered or drawn into small folds; wrinkled or tightly contracted.
"The clown wore a bright red, puckered mouth."
Usually used of the lips, skin, or fabric, and often describing a compact, folded appearance.
A pucker is the little facial prelude to a kiss—and sometimes a quiet sign that a question has gone badly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does puckered come from?
The word “pucker” is of uncertain origin. It developed in English in forms associated with gathering or wrinkling a surface, and the past tense and past participle “puckered” follow the regular inflection of the verb. No especially secure cognates can be identified, so the word is best understood as having an uncertain English origin rather than being assigned to a particular foreign root.
Related word forms
How puckered is actually used
The phrase “pucker up” is common in informal speech, especially in instructions such as “Pucker up and enjoy it.” As an adjective, “puckered” usually describes lips, skin, or fabric that has formed small folds.