dimple

Meanings

1. A small depression or indentation in a surface.
2. Specifically, a small natural depression on the skin, especially on the face near the corners of the mouth.
3. A small depression, made with a punch on a metal object, as a guide for further drilling.

1. To create a dimple in.
2. To create a dimple in one's face by smiling.
3. To form dimples; to sink into depressions or little inequalities.

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”).