1 B1 informal
To crush or compress paper, fabric, or a similar material into a tight, wrinkled ball or shape
"He read the rejection letter once, then scrunched it up and threw it in the bin."
separable
scrunch up
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To squeeze or compress something (or part of the body) into a tight, compact shape
In plain English
To crush or squeeze something tightly together, like squeezing a piece of paper into a ball, or squinting your eyes really tight
What does "scrunch up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To tighten or contract the muscles of the face or another body part, especially in response to an unpleasant sensation
"She scrunched up her nose at the smell coming from the bin."
separable
3 B2 informal
To make oneself small by curling or compressing one's body into a tight space
"The children scrunched up together on the back seat to make room for the dog."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scrunch (compress tightly) something up — fairly transparent
Actually means
To crush or squeeze something tightly together, like squeezing a piece of paper into a ball, or squinting your eyes really tight
Usage tip
Used for physical objects like paper and also for facial expressions and body language (scrunching up your nose, eyes, or face). Can also be used reflexively — 'he scrunched himself up'. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "scrunch up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
paper face eyes nose body foil
How to conjugate "scrunch up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scrunch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrunches up
he/she/it
Past simple
scrunched up
yesterday
Past participle
scrunched up
have + pp
-ing form
scrunching up
continuous
Hear "scrunch up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "scrunch up"
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