To be wrinkled means to be marked by small creases, folds, or lines. A wrinkled shirt looks rumpled and messy because it has creases running through the fabric instead of lying smooth and flat. Wrinkled skin develops lines and folds, especially as people age or after spending too long in the bathtub (when your fingertips get all pruney and wrinkled).

You might wrinkle your nose when you smell something unpleasant, scrunching it up so temporary lines appear. A wrinkled piece of paper has been crumpled or folded, leaving creases that won't disappear even when you try to smooth it out.

The word usually describes something that should be smooth but isn't anymore. A wrinkled apple has lost its firm, smooth surface and developed creases. Parents often ask their kids not to sit on clean clothes because they'll get wrinkled and need ironing again.

Things become wrinkled through pressure, folding, age, or loss of moisture. You can unwrinkle some things (like clothing with an iron), but other wrinkles are permanent reminders of time and use.