dimple
UK[ˈdɪmpl]US[ˈdɪmpl]
n
A small hollow place in the skin, especially one formed in the cheeks when a person smiles.
n
Any small, natural hollow on a surface.
v
To produce or show dimples.
Etymology
The word 'dimple' entered Middle English as 'dympull', likely from Old English 'dympel', meaning a small pit or hollow. This term is related to the Old High German 'tumphilo', meaning 'pool', and the German 'Tümpel', meaning 'pond' or 'puddle', suggesting a shared Proto-Germanic root related to a small, deep hollow. The semantic evolution from a small body of water to a small indentation in the skin or surface is a clear metaphorical shift, focusing on the shared characteristic of a shallow concavity. By the late 14th century, it was specifically used for the charming facial feature, solidifying its modern, primary meaning.
Analysis
The word 'dimple' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in Modern English.
Examples
A sweet dimple appeared in her cheek when she laughed.
The golf ball is covered in dimples to improve its aerodynamics.
His smile was so broad it began to dimple his chin.