Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌmpə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "rumple" is spelled with an initial "r" followed by the short "uh" vowel sound represented by the symbol "ʌ" in IPA. This is followed by the consonant sound "m" and the long "ee" vowel sound represented by the symbol "i" in IPA. The final consonant sound is a voiceless alveolar plosive represented by the symbol "p" in IPA. In other words, the word is pronounced as "RUHMP-uhl", with a stress on the first syllable.
Rumple is a verb that refers to the action of making something untidy, wrinkled, or crumpled. When something is rumpled, it becomes disheveled or creased, typically due to being handled or crushed.
To rumple fabric, for instance, means to crinkle or wrinkle its surface unevenly, often causing it to lose its smooth and neat appearance. This can occur through various means, such as not folding or storing the fabric properly, but rather bunching it up or subjecting it to pressure or agitation. The result is a rumpled fabric with visible folds, lines, or wrinkles.
In a broader sense, rumple can also describe the disorderly or untidy state of something, whether it be a person’s appearance, a bedsheet left unmade, or papers scattered on a desk. It denotes a disarranged or disordered condition that lacks neatness or organization.
Additionally, rumple can be used metaphorically to describe the effect of emotional or mental distress on someone's appearance or composure. For example, one may say that a person's face became rumpled with worry, indicating the visible signs of stress and strain.
Overall, rumple encompasses the act or outcome of making something messy, disorganized, or wrinkled, involving physical manipulation, pressure, or lack of care.
• To disorder clothes by rough usage; to pucker; to wrinkle; to crush together out of shape.
• A pucker; a fold or plait.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rumple" has its origin in Middle English and comes from the Old English word "hrumpen" or "hrumpian", which means to wrinkle or crease. The term has been influenced by similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Middle Dutch "rompelen" and Middle Low German "rumpeln". Over time, the word "rumple" has evolved to refer to the act of crumpling, wrinkling, or disarranging something.
