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

On that LP, he explored the aesthetic surfaces of advertising, sampling fragments of jingles and other sonic detritus and arranging them into haunting new shapes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Lips chapped and tempers frayed, and the ceaseless ringing and jingling of the troika bells grew so wearisome, it was like something out of Poe.

Read more on Literature

The world’s largest pizza chain last month revamped its look to feature brighter and black-and-gold boxes, a new jingle and a thicker font, called “Domino’s Sans.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A bell on the door jingled as she stepped inside.

Read more on Literature

It was popularised by Bing Crosby, who, as a significant shareholder, would sing in ads and radio show jingles about frozen orange juice being "better for your health".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• clang 
• clatter 
• clink