# wrinkle

/ˈɹɪŋkəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɪŋkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wrinkle
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small line or fold on your skin or on a piece of cloth. You usually get them on your face as you get older or on your clothes when they are not folded.

For teachers: a small ridge or furrow on a surface, typically caused by the contraction or folding of a flexible material. Often refers to the natural lines that appear on human skin due to aging or sun exposure.

## Examples

- She noticed a small wrinkle near her eyes.
- I need to iron this shirt because it has a deep wrinkle right across the front.
- The new policy introduced an unexpected wrinkle into the negotiations, forcing both parties to reconsider their initial stance on the budget allocation.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used metaphorically to describe a minor problem or a new development in a plan.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.