jangle
Americanverb (used without object)
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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.
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to speak angrily; wrangle.
verb (used with object)
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to cause to make a harsh, discordant, usually metallic sound.
He jangled the pots and pans.
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to cause to become irritated or upset.
The loud noise of the motors jangled his nerves.
noun
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a harsh or discordant sound.
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an argument, dispute, or quarrel.
verb
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to sound or cause to sound discordantly, harshly, or unpleasantly
the telephone jangled
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(tr) to produce a jarring effect on
the accident jangled his nerves
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an archaic word for wrangle
noun
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a harsh, unpleasant ringing noise
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an argument or quarrel
Other Word Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gallagher and Brazil striker Richarlison, who headed Spurs' second for his 11th goal this term, epitomised what De Zerbi demands, with Emi Buendia's injury-time Villa reply far too late for any Spurs nerves to jangle.
From BBC • May 3, 2026
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
“It’s a big space,” he said in an interview, away from the jangle of slot machines and the smoke-laden casino floor.
From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024
No, there is no séance with the supernatural nor summoning of spirits, just a jangle of regrets.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2023
I hear the jangle of keys, the flick in the ignition, the awakening gasp of the engine.
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
