puckering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "puckering" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an action of making something, usually skin, wrinkle or tighten into small folds or ridges, often due to fear, anxiety, or surprise. An example sentence could be: "The sudden loud noise caused her to pucker her face in surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's not painful, but there seems to be a thickened band in the palm of my hand that's puckering the skin at the base of the finger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for a day or two after returning to London from France, I find myself instinctively puckering up for more, which can be awkward.

The Economist

Seam slippage, yard severance, puckering, elongation, gathering, and feed mark off are some of the quality areas affected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thread for use in commercial or home sewing machines and for hand sewing should allow easy movement when tension is applied and ease in needle threading; should be smooth, to resist friction during sewing; should have sufficient elasticity to avoid the breaking of stitches or puckering of seams; and should have sufficient strength to hold seams during laundering or dry cleaning and in use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A note can be played either by puckering the lips to single out the desired mouth hole in the instrument or by covering unwanted holes with the tongue (usually considered a more-advanced technique).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lines of girls puckering their lips and wiggling their frothy pink behinds now smacks of tacky tourist cabaret, and Coppelius's peccadillo seems distinctly unpleasant.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A dessert of lychee tapioca with passion-fruit chiboust is like a tender kiss, followed by a mouth-puckering salted lime jelly with a pineapple fritter.

Independent

The pithivier might be the show-stopper but almost everything, from mouth-puckering snacks of pickled shiitake mushrooms to thick-sliced scallops in an earthy Jerusalem artichoke velouté, should make you smile.

Independent

On the side, bread is served with Gentleman's Relish, a lip-puckering anchovy paste made from a secret recipe in a factory in Elsenham, England, and, as the name suggests, beloved by idle aristocrats.

The New Yorker

The winery currently makes five wines, ranging from a floral, mouth-puckering sauvignon blanc and a tank-aged chardonnay to a cabernet rosé, a fruity, clove-accented cabernet franc and a smooth, well-rounded merlot.

The New York Times

The curry was light as a soup, ruddy in color, saturated with mouth-puckering tamarind.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puckering" to vividly describe the contraction of skin, fabric, or facial features, conveying a sense of tension or texture. Consider the context to ensure the connotation is appropriate, as it can range from physical descriptions to emotional expressions.

Common error

Avoid using "puckering" interchangeably with words like "wrinkling" without considering the context. "Puckering" often implies a more concentrated and intentional contraction, whereas "wrinkling" can suggest a more general or age-related change.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puckering" is as a present participle or gerund, often used to describe an ongoing action or state of contraction or wrinkling. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe the action of making something wrinkle or tighten. Examples show it describing skin, fabric, or even geographical features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "puckering" functions grammatically as a present participle or gerund, commonly used to vividly describe contraction or wrinkling. Its primary purpose is descriptive, conveying both physical textures and emotional states. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It maintains a neutral register and finds frequent use in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application across diverse contexts, from describing facial expressions to fabric textures. While "puckering" is a versatile term, consider nuances to avoid misunderstandings with terms like "wrinkling". Its strong usage across authoritative sources confirms its widespread acceptance and appropriate use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrinkling up

Focuses on the formation of wrinkles, emphasizing the visual aspect of lines and folds.

contracting

Highlights the act of becoming smaller or drawing together, often due to external forces.

tightening

Emphasizes the act of becoming firm or tense, suggesting a reduction in slackness.

drawing together

Focuses on the action of elements converging or becoming closer.

gathering

Implies collecting or heaping up, often in the context of fabric or skin.

forming folds

Specifically refers to the creation of layers or creases, typically in pliable materials.

crimping

Suggests creating a wavy or ridged pattern, especially in hair or fabric.

furrowing

Refers to creating narrow trenches or grooves, particularly on the face or ground.

compressing

Highlights the act of pressing or squeezing together, reducing volume or space.

screwing up

This is specific to facial expressions implying displeasure or concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "puckering" in a sentence?

You can use "puckering" to describe the action of drawing something into wrinkles or folds, such as "The cold wind was causing her skin to start "puckering"" or "The ill-fitting fabric was "puckering" at the seams."

What are some alternatives to the word "puckering"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "puckering" include "wrinkling", "contracting", "tightening", or "drawing together".

What does it mean when someone is "puckering" their lips?

When someone is "puckering" their lips, they are tightening and rounding them, often as a prelude to kissing, blowing, or expressing disapproval.

Is it correct to say "puckering up"?

Yes, "puckering up" is a common phrasal verb that usually refers to forming one's lips into a small, rounded shape, often in preparation for a kiss or to play a wind instrument.