tingle

American  

[ting-guhl] / ˈtɪŋ gəl /

verb (used without object)

tingled, tingling

1. to have a sensation of slight prickles, stings, or tremors, as from cold, a sharp blow, excitement, etc..

   I tingle all over.

2. to cause such a sensation.

   The scratch tingles.

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noun

1. a tingling sensation.

2. the tingling action of cold, a blow, excitement, etc.

   Synonyms:

   flutter, thrill

tingle British  

/ ˈtɪŋɡəl /

verb

1. (usually intr) to feel or cause to feel a prickling, itching, or stinging sensation of the flesh, as from a cold plunge or electric shock

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noun

1. a sensation of tingling

Other Word Forms

• tingler
  noun
• tingling
  adjective
• tinglingly
  adverb
• tingly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tingle

1350–1400; Middle English tinglen (v.), variant of tinkle

Explanation

When something tingles, it prickles or stings a tiny bit. Walking through a haunted house might make your skin tingle with fear. A cool breeze makes your skin tingle, and a pep rally might leave you tingling with excitement. Tingle can also call be used as a noun: a tingle is similar to a shiver or a shudder, a light sensation that may have an emotional or physical cause. An earlier meaning of tingle was "a ringing sensation or sound."

Example Sentences

Frost won Down Royal's Champion Chase with Frodon and the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Greanateen during the 2021-22 season, which finishes on Saturday.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2022

“Certainly, the scale of this event and the impact of this event is going to mean that recovery goes on for years,” Tingle said.

From Washington Times • Mar. 6, 2021

But none of these efforts have had the industry-wide impact that John Hancock's program might, if it has the kind of popularity Tingle expects.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2018

The fitness option is compatible with most major trackers, users can receive a free Fitbit, and the policy has been very popular since it debuted in 2015, says Tingle.

From The Verge • Sep. 26, 2018

Derring, along with the lab’s health officer, James Tingle, and Rufus House, assistant to Langley director Henry Reid, hustled over to the building, where several West Computers were anxiously waiting in the lobby.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly