pucker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pucker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of tightening or wrinkling the skin, often in reference to lips or other areas of the face, typically when expressing emotion or preparing to kiss. Example: "She decided to pucker her lips before taking the photo, wanting to capture a playful expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The traditional explanation for the bad pairing is based on the presence of tannins the chemicals that make red wines taste dry and cause the mouth to pucker.

The Economist

They went with ball gowns too, feathered and frilled and spangled, sometimes pock-marked with a gap-toothed lipstick pucker, brocaded, embroidered and printed.

Independent

Snow Kiss Lip Shine Your lips will be primed and ready to pucker up under the mistletoe with this gloss, part of the First Snow gift set from kooky beauty brand Philosophy.

Independent

When she has to signal suppressed disapproval over a dinner table, all she has to do is pucker slightly, and the job is done with eloquent understatement.

Independent

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the onion is tender and the tomatoes start to pucker.

Independent

When photography is employed, it's more likely to make you cringe for being cheesy than for being gruesome: a woman sobbing; a stone-faced man with a shaved head pulling apart his outer shirt, Superman-style, to reveal a T-shirt that says "I Quit"; a man blowing smoke in a woman's face with the oversold, defiant pucker of the villain in an after-school special.

The New Yorker

With a rubbing motion, thrill the skins of the tomatoes until they start to pucker and tumesce.

The New Yorker

Lately, through trial and error, I've adjusted this expression, finding a slightly different muscle position — my mouth more O-shaped, my lips pulled into a sort of half pucker — that accommodates my laugh reasonably well and asks little of my zygomaticus major.

The New Yorker

The Ear-Eaka system promises to shrink the wattles on the sides of your head, and it comes with a bonus set of glue-on "permanent" earrings that will hide every pucker and scar.

The New Yorker

Shank spoke of the little pucker in the lake where the Cleveland water supply is drawn in.

The New Yorker

Miss Dixon studied whistling with Mrs. Bertha Stockwell, a pucker whistler.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pucker" to describe fabric or material that is not laying flat, suggesting an uneven or gathered surface.

Common error

Avoid using "pucker" to describe a general smile. "Pucker" specifically refers to the tightening or wrinkling of the mouth, often associated with sourness or kissing, and is not interchangeable with a genuine smile. If you need to describe a smile, consider using these alternative phrases: "grin", "beam", or "simper".

Linguistic Context

The word "pucker" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of drawing together or wrinkling, especially the lips. As a noun, it refers to a wrinkle or fold. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing facial expressions and fabric imperfections. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pucker" is a versatile term used to describe the action of drawing together or wrinkling, particularly the lips or fabric. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its main function is to convey vivid physical reactions, emotional states, or textural qualities. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources and is suitable for a neutral register. When using "pucker", be mindful of its specific meaning, avoiding its misuse as a general term for smiling and be precise with the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purse lips

Focuses specifically on the action of tightening the lips, often indicating disapproval or contemplation.

wrinkle face

Describes the wrinkling of the face, often due to sourness or distaste, involving more of the facial muscles than just the lips.

contract face

Refers to the general contraction of facial muscles, suggesting discomfort or a negative reaction.

compress mouth

Highlights the act of pressing the lips together, often implying seriousness or restraint.

tighten lips

Indicates the act of making the lips taut, often conveying tension or disapproval.

form a grimace

Implies a more pronounced facial expression of pain or displeasure, involving more than just the lips.

make a moue

Suggests a pout or a slight grimace, often indicating displeasure or petulance.

knit brows

Describes the action of furrowing the eyebrows, usually indicating worry or concentration, rather than a mouth-related expression.

frown slightly

Implies a mild expression of displeasure or disapproval, generally involving the eyebrows and forehead more than the mouth.

scowl deeply

Suggests a more intense expression of anger or disapproval, involving the entire face, rather than just the lips.

FAQs

How can I use "pucker" in a sentence?

You can use "pucker" to describe the action of drawing in or wrinkling the mouth, such as "The lemon made her lips "pucker"." It can also describe fabric that is not laying flat, such as "The seam caused the fabric to "pucker"."

What's the difference between "pucker" and "pout"?

"Pucker" generally refers to the tightening or wrinkling of the mouth, often due to a sour taste or to kiss. "Pout", on the other hand, usually implies a protruding lip expression, often associated with sadness or sulkiness.

What are some synonyms for "pucker" when describing a sour taste?

When describing a sour taste, you can use synonyms such as "grimace", "wince", or "contract" to describe the facial expression.

How is "pucker" used in the context of sewing or fabric?

In sewing, "pucker" describes fabric that doesn't lay flat and has small wrinkles or gathers. This can be due to improper stitching or fabric tension. A similar word is "gather".