dimple
ˈdɪmpəl
noun
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*dump- — a depression or hollow
Overview
Meaning Now
- a small natural indentation in the flesh, most commonly on the cheek or chin
- a small depression in a surface, such as the indentation on a golf ball
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Middle English → English
Earliest form
dympyll
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word is likely related to 'damp' or 'dump', sharing a Germanic root that implies a pit or depression. The '-le' suffix functions as a diminutive, specifically marking it as a small depression.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*dump-
“hollow or depression”
Base of the dimple/dump family
- Middle English
dympyll
“small hollow”
Diminutive form of dump
- Modern English
dimple
“a small indentation”
Standardized spelling
Connections
Word parts
dimp
root
a depression
-le
suffix
diminutive indicator
Related across languages
Low German
dumpel
pool or puddle
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Related to dimple
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.