What does rumple mean?
Rumple means to wrinkle, crease, or disarrange something, especially cloth, paper, or hair. The verb can describe an action, as in someone rumpling a shirt, or a resulting condition, as when fabric becomes rumpled after being squeezed into a bag. Its connotation is generally informal and descriptive: the affected object has lost its smoothness, order, or neat appearance. Although “crumple” and “wrinkle” are close in meaning, rumple often suggests a more irregular or disorganized result than a single neat crease. The word is especially useful when describing clothing, bedding, upholstery, and paper. In extended use, it can imply that a plan, argument, or document has been made less orderly, though that figurative sense is less frequent than the physical one.
To wrinkle, crease, or disarrange something, especially fabric or paper.
"Don't rumple the tie before the photograph."
Often used in everyday descriptions of clothing, bedding, and paper.
To become wrinkled, creased, or disordered.
"The paper rumpled in the damp air."
This intransitive use is common when describing fabric or paper that has lost its smoothness.
The noun is uncommon and usually refers to a wrinkle or crease, especially in fabric.
"The tablecloth was covered in small rumples after the meal."
A rumple is a small rebellion against looking neat and put-together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rumple come from?
Rumple is an English word that developed in the early 19th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, although it is commonly linked with crumple, and the two words share a similar sense and form. The modern spelling and pronunciation reflect the established English form rather than a clearly traceable borrowing.
Related word forms
How rumple is actually used
Rumple is relatively uncommon in formal writing but common in everyday descriptions of clothes, bedding, paper, and other materials. It suggests both a physical crease and, by extension, a loss of neatness.
Easily confused with rumple
Rumble means to make a low continuous sound, whereas rumple means to wrinkle or disarrange something.