puckering
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpʌkərɪŋ/
KK: /ˈpʌkərɪŋ/
noun
Definition
A series of folds or pinches in fabric that occur when one layer shrinks more than the others.
Example
The dress had beautiful puckering that added texture to the design.
Conversation
Have you noticed the puckering on this shirt after washing it?
Yeah, it looks a bit wrinkled, doesn't it?
I think it might be from the fabric shrinkage.
That makes sense! I should be more careful when I wash my clothes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wrinkle
crease
fold
Antonyms
smoothness
flatness
unwrinkled
verb
Definition
To form small folds or wrinkles, often in the skin or lips, usually due to tightening or drawing together.
Example
She was puckering her lips in concentration as she tried to whistle.
Tense Forms
Past: puckered
Past Participle: puckered
Conversation
Did you see that photo of the baby puckering its lips?
Yeah, it was so cute!
I can't believe how adorable those expressions can be.
Root Explanation
Puckering → The word originates from Middle English 'puker', meaning to wrinkle or gather. It describes the action of forming small folds or wrinkles in a surface, often due to tightening or drawing together.
Memory Tip
Imagine the action of gathering or tightening something, which creates small folds or wrinkles — that's what puckering means.
Visually Confused Words
pickering
pluckerian
unbickering