jingle

[jing-guhl]

verb (used without object)

jingled, jingling 

1. to make clinking or tinkling sounds, as do coins, keys, or other light, resonant metal objects when coming into contact or being struck together repeatedly.

   The keys on his belt jingled as he walked.

2. to move or proceed with such sounds.

   The sleigh, decorated with bells, jingled along the snowy road.

3. to sound in a light, repetitious manner suggestive of this, as verse, a sequence of words, or piece of music.

4. to make rhymes.

verb (used with object)

jingled, jingling 

1. to cause to jingle.

   He jingled the coins in his pocket.

noun

1. a tinkling or clinking sound, as of small bells or of small pieces of resonant metal repeatedly struck one against another.

2. something that makes such a sound, as a small bell or a metal pendant.

3. a catchy succession of like or repetitious sounds, as in music or verse.

4. a piece of verse or a short song having such a catchy succession of sounds, usually of a light or humorous character.

   an advertising jingle.

5. Irish English and Australian.,  a loosely sprung, two-wheeled, roofed carriage, usually used as a hackney coach.

jingle

/ ˈdʒɪŋɡəl /

verb

1. to ring or cause to ring lightly and repeatedly

2. (intr) to sound in a manner suggestive of jingling

   a jingling verse

noun

1. a sound of metal jingling

   the jingle of the keys

2. a catchy and rhythmic verse, song, etc, esp one used in advertising

Other Word Forms

• jingler noun
• jinglingly adverb
• jingly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jingle¹

1350–1400; Middle English gynglen, apparently imitative; compare Dutch jengelen; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of jingle¹

C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Dutch jengelen

Example Sentences

Featuring an insanely infectious jingle by composer Irving Berlin, "I like Ike" was a Disney cartoon aimed at the broadest possible audience,

From BBC

At the time, Arias had already established herself as a formidable copywriter for ad agencies, translating jingles and songs in Spanish for companies like Alka-Seltzer, Campbell Soup, Ford Motor Co.,

From Los Angeles Times

However, he earned his big break as a songwriter after he penned an unexpectedly poignant jingle for a Crocker-Citizens National Bank commercial.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the kind of dumb jingle that gets stuck in your head for a week.

From Los Angeles Times

A "jingle and mingle" Christmas party had been held at Conservative HQ and at least three drinks gatherings took place in Downing Street during those lockdown restrictions.

From BBC

Related Words

• clang 
• clatter 
• clink