What does puckering mean?
Puckering describes the deliberate or visible process of tightening, compressing, or wrinkling something into small folds. It is especially familiar in expressions involving the lips, as when someone puckers their mouth in surprise, concentration, or preparation to whistle. The word can also describe the formation of small folds in skin or fabric, especially when a material has been gathered or dried unevenly. In everyday use, “puckering” often carries a mildly expressive or humorous quality because it evokes concentrated facial movements and exaggerated expressions. As a gerund, it can name the action itself, as in “the puckering of the curtains,” while as a present participle it shows an action in progress. The related noun “pucker” names a fold, wrinkle, or tightly compressed shape.
To make the lips or another part of the body tightly compressed, drawn inward, or folded into small wrinkles.
"The child puckered her lips and shook her head."
Usually transitive or reflexive, and often used with the lips, mouth, eyes, or skin.
The act or process of puckering, or the condition of being tightly folded or wrinkled.
"She tried to hide her amusement by suppressing the puckering of her lips."
This gerund is usually used in an action or process context rather than as a countable noun.
The word “pucker” can describe the tiny folds that gather around an expression, from a thoughtful frown to the unmistakable look of holding back laughter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does puckering come from?
The word comes from the verb “pucker,” which is related to words such as “pucker” and “puckered” in modern English. Its development is associated with the idea of gathering, compressing, or drawing material into small folds. The precise origin of the verb is historically uncertain, so no more specific etymology is asserted here.
Related word forms
How puckering is actually used
The word is somewhat descriptive and commonly suggests a visible tightening, folding, or wrinkling. In the expression “pucker up,” it often means to press the lips together in preparation for a kiss or a sharp movement.