dimple

Definition

A small depression or indentation in a surface.

Etymology

From Middle English dimpel, dimpil, dympull, from Old English *dympel, from Proto-West Germanic *dumpil, from Proto-Germanic *dumpilaz (“sink-hole, dimple”), from Proto-Germanic *dumpaz (“hole, hollow, pit”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰewb- (“deep, hollow”), equivalent to dialectal dump (“deep hole or pool”) + -le (diminutive suffix). Akin to German Low German Dümpel, German Tümpel (“pond, pool”). Related also to Old English dyppan (“to dip”).

Example Sentences

• "The accident created a dimple in the hood of the car."
• "The garden pool's dark surface […] breaks into dimples small and bright."
• "You have very cute dimples."