dimple

From Middle English dympull, likely from Proto-Germanic *dumpilaz. Akin to Old High German tumphilo (“pool”) (whence German Tümpel) and Old English dyppan (“to dip”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈdɪmpəl/
• Rhymes: -ɪmpəl

dimple (plural dimples)

1. A small depression or indentation in a surface.

   The accident created a dimple in the hood of the car.

   • Wordsworth

     The garden pool's dark surface […] breaks into dimples small and bright.

2. Specifically, a small natural depression on the skin, especially on the face near the corners of the mouth.

   You have very cute dimples.

• (depression in a surface): dent

dimple (third-person singular simple present dimples, present participle dimpling, simple past and past participle dimpled)

1. (transitive) To create a dimple in.

   The hailstorm dimpled the roof of our car.

2. (intransitive) To create a dimple in one's face by smiling.

   The young girl dimpled in glee as she was handed a cupcake.

3. To form dimples; to sink into depressions or little inequalities.
   • Dryden

     And smiling eddies dimpled on the main.

• (create a dimple in): dent, mar

• limped