dim·ple / ˈdimpəl/ • n. a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms in the cheeks when one smiles. ∎  [often as adj.] a slight depression in the surface of something: a sheet of dimple foam.• v. [tr.] produce a dimple or dimples in the surface of (something): a sucking swirl dimpled the water. ∎  [intr.] form or show a dimple or dimples: the water ruffled and dimpled | [as adj.] (dimpled) a dimpled smile. DERIVATIVES: dim·ply / ˈdimp(ə)lē/ adj.

dimple †hollow in the ground XIII; small hollow in the cheek or chin XIV. prob. repr. OE. *dympel, corr. to OHG. tumphilo (G. tümpel) deep place in water, f. Gmc. *dump-, perh. nasalized form of *dup- *deup- DEEP; see -LE 1.