tinkle

[ting-kuhl]

verb (used without object)

tinkled, tinkling 

1. to give forth or make a succession of short, light, ringing sounds, as a small bell.

2. to run one's fingers lightly over a keyboard instrument or to play such an instrument simply or badly.

3. Baby Talk.,  to urinate.

verb (used with object)

tinkled, tinkling 

1. to cause to tinkle or jingle.

   The goat tinkled its bell every time it raised its head. Who's tinkling the piano?

2. to make known, call attention to, attract, or summon by tinkling.

noun

1. a tinkling sound or tune.

2. an act or instance of tinkling.

3. Informal.,  a telephone call.

   Give me a tinkle before you leave for Europe.

tinkle

/ ˈtɪŋkəl /

verb

1. to ring or cause to ring with a series of high tinny sounds, like a small bell

2. (tr) to announce or summon by such a ringing

3. informal,  (intr) to urinate

noun

1. a high clear ringing sound

2. the act of tinkling

3. informal,  a telephone call

Other Word Forms

• outtinkle verb (used with object)
• tinkling adjective
• tinkly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinkle¹

1350–1400; Middle English tynclen, frequentative of tinken to clink; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinkle¹

C14: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

The tinkling of piano keys can be heard from a single-storey workshop.

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This is not a concert in which the lead singer will occasionally tinkle the ivories for effect.

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Whenever he discovers some pretty little thing, the frame momentarily transforms into a commercial for excess, with a gleaming image of his unearthed treasure floating onscreen as a heavenly glissando tinkles in the background.

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René opens the music box, and a tinkling music begins to play, the same song heard long ago in his Damascus sitting room.

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The hangers in the closets clashed and tinkled.

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