tinkle

American  

[ting-kuhl] / ˈtɪŋ kəl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of tinkle

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

Example Sentences

Wayne Tinkle cannot haul Oregon State out of the cellar.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

As we noted earlier this month, Tinkle is one of several Pac-12 coaches on the Hot Seat as the stretch run unfolds.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

At some point, the Beavers must determine whether the cost of retaining Tinkle is greater than the cost of eating the contract.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

Is it time for the Wayne Tinkle show to end at Oregon State?

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

As it began to turn cold again, Mom called him and mentioned how much easier it was for two people to stay warm during the winter, and how much Tinkle the dog missed him.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls