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

Example Sentences

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

The jangle of keys, the heavy locks on every door can all make you forget you are in a hospital.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2022

Hearing the jangle of keys, Sabir, a senior from Afghanistan, emerges from the copy room.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2022

They signaled their coming with the high, sweet jangle of hame bells.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck