pucker

word

Definition

To tighten or gather something, especially skin or fabric, into small folds or wrinkles, often by squeezing or contracting it. Commonly used to describe lips when making a kissing face or reacting to something sour.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used as a verb ('to pucker') and often with 'up' (e.g., 'pucker up your lips'). Common for lips, but can describe fabric or skin. More formal or descriptive; not slang. Different from 'pimple' or 'wrinkle', which are permanent marks.

Example Sentences

She puckered her lips to blow a kiss.

basic

The cloth puckered after it got wet.

basic

My eyes pucker when I laugh hard.

basic

When you taste a lemon, your mouth might pucker from the sourness.

natural

He told me to pucker up and get ready for a quick photo.

natural

You could see her nose pucker as she smelled something strange.

natural