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

The “soothing” sound in this video, apparently, is the jangle of chains.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2025

She recognized that there’s nothing more dramatic than human contradiction, the clash and jangle of self-image and public perception.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

No, there is no séance with the supernatural nor summoning of spirits, just a jangle of regrets.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2023

Its improbable-seeming transitions — from post-punk jangle to boy-band crooning to hip-hop drum loops — are the source of the track’s infectious vitality.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2022

Later he will listen for footsteps in the corridor, the jangle of keys, and when it's clear, he will stand on the table.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti