scrunch

1 of 2

verb

ˈskrənch How to pronounce scrunch (audio)
ˈskru̇nch
scrunched; scrunching; scrunches

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to draw or squeeze together tightly
b
: crumple
often used with up
c
: to cause (something, such as one's features) to draw together
usually used with up

intransitive verb

1
: to move with or make a crunching sound
2
: crouch, hunch
also : squeeze

scrunch

2 of 2

noun

: a crunching sound

Examples of scrunch in a Sentence

Verb I scrunched down in the chair. I scrunched the fabric in my hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Kan Kuang-Ming, head chef of Din Tai Fung Taiwan, is at the center, head down, shoulders scrunched up, crimping dumplings. Clarissa Wei, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023 Haines gave her cohost a withering stare and scrunched her lips to the side, but did not respond. EW.com, 14 Nov. 2023 Why Zendaya Wore a Skirt with a 3D Lobster on It to Promote 'Dune' at Comic Con São Paulo Her low-rise pants were scrunched at the bottom, and the actress appeared to be wearing closed-toe Christian Louboutin shoes. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024 When Chris Brown — who was charged with felony assault for getting physically violent with then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 — was announced as a nominee in the best R&B video category, Gomez was caught scrunching up her face in response. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023 To start, take small sections of hair one section at a time, gently comb your hands through the section, and shake the ends instead of scrunching. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2024 Her mother would save those wrappers all year long and scrunch them into little balls to add in between the branches. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2023 But this future-world action thriller about a war between humankind and artificial intelligence feels like a lot of movies scrunched together, most of them familiar. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023 Wear it around town or to the bar, then scrunch it up and put it in the central console of your car, a bag, or even a pocket of a pair of cargo shorts. Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2023
Noun
The brand is known for its scrunch ballet flat style, which is offered in a collection of classic and bold colors. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023 But the same compression material that gives leggings their scrunch, helps keep their shape, and enhances your performance by boosting blood flow to your lower body can have some not-so-flattering side effects. Lindsay Geller, Women's Health, 7 Sep. 2023 A little bit of scrunch popping out from the bottom of a maxi skirt or dress adds a whole lot of effortless je ne sais quoi. Marykate Boylan, Town & Country, 22 Aug. 2023 In addition to the scrunch detail, the shoe brand also boasts a vast collection of options, ranging from different colors, materials, textures, and patterns, so there truly is a flat for everyone. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023 For those who love the scrunch ballet flat look, Sam Edelman has pretty much nailed this design with its collection of comfortable ballet flats. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023 The leggings have a butt-scrunch design meant to highlight your derriere, come in 94 colors including bright options and tie-dye varieties, and are available in sizes XS to 4XL. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2023 The brand’s banded scrunch bottoms—light enough for the August heat—and puff shoulder tops are ideal for a classy poolside look. Rosa Sanchez, Forbes, 30 Aug. 2021 The ultra-soft pants feature a wide ribbed waistband and a scrunch-butt design, similar to the ones on these Amazon leggings that went viral two years ago. Jennifer Chan, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scrunch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of crunch entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrunch was circa 1790

Dictionary Entries Near scrunch

Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrunch. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrunch

verb
ˈskrənch
1
a
: crunch entry 1 sense 1, crush
scrunch a paper cup
b
: to make or move with a crunching sound
cinders scrunching underfoot
2
a
: to draw or squeeze together tightly
b
: crumple sense 1
scrunch up a piece of paper
c
: to cause (as one's facial features) to draw together
scrunched up his nose
3

More from Merriam-Webster on scrunch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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