jangle

American  

[jang-guhl] / ˈdʒæŋ gəl /

verb (used without object)

jangled, jangling

1. to produce a harsh, discordant sound, as two comparatively small, thin, or hollow pieces of metal hitting together.

   The charms on her bracelet jangle as she moves.

2. to speak angrily; wrangle.

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verb (used with object)

jangled, jangling

1. to cause to make a harsh, discordant, usually metallic sound.

   He jangled the pots and pans.

2. to cause to become irritated or upset.

   The loud noise of the motors jangled his nerves.

noun

1. a harsh or discordant sound.

2. an argument, dispute, or quarrel.

jangle British  

/ ˈdʒæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to sound or cause to sound discordantly, harshly, or unpleasantly

   the telephone jangled

2. (tr) to produce a jarring effect on

   the accident jangled his nerves

3. an archaic word for wrangle

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noun

1. a harsh, unpleasant ringing noise

2. an argument or quarrel

Other Word Forms

• jangler
  noun
• jangly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of jangle

1250–1300; Middle English janglen < Old French jangler < Germanic; compare Middle Dutch jangelen to haggle, whine

Explanation

To jangle is to make a metallic sound like a bell, a bunch of keys, or spurs on cowboy boots. Little kids waiting for Santa Claus might wake up abruptly, thinking they've heard his sleigh bells jangle on the roof. A jangle is similar to a jingle, a ringing, bell-like noise, but it's typically a bit harsher or more discordant. You might contrast the delicate jingle of silver bracelets with the jangle of an enormous ring of keys. The word can also be used figuratively: something that makes you feel uneasy or upset jangles your nerves. An earlier definition of jangle was "talk excessively, chatter" or "slanderous conversation, gossip." The "harsh sound" meaning first arose in the 15th century.

Example Sentences

Community support is what motivated Wrinkle Jingle Jangle, aka Mark Chatham, to wander the festival in dazzling elf regalia, passing out small gifts to children.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

But productions like this, along with others such as the John Legend-produced “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” signals a promising shift.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2020

But productions like this, along with others such as the John Legend-produced “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” signals a promising shift.

From Washington Times • Dec. 2, 2020

“With shades of the unlamented Sir Jingle Jangle, ‘klusch, koch, klich’ - every trip”.

From The Guardian • Nov. 22, 2020

But now Sir Peter if we have finish'd our daily Jangle I presume I may go to my engagement at Lady Sneerwell's?

From School for Scandal by Sheridan, Richard Brinsley