teasing

American  

[tee-zing] / ˈti zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of persistently annoying someone, especially playfully and with silly jokes about them.

   Most holidays, we all manage to squeeze in at Grandma’s and enjoy a crazy day full of laughter, teasing, eating, and sharing.

2. the act of bullying, harassing, or tormenting someone.

   Many students with learning disabilities suffer the frustration of low achievement and the teasing and poor self-image that come with it.

3. the act of purposely exciting, tantalizing, or sexually arousing someone without providing subsequent gratification.

   She smiled over her shoulder at him, brown eyes shiny with teasing.

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adjective

1. harassing, tantalizing, or playfully annoying someone in any of these ways.

   In answer to my eager question, they shrugged a teasing “maybe.”

   Lisa turns 20 next month and her mother is already sending her teasing texts featuring grandma emojis.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• teasingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of teasing

First recorded in 1585–95; teas(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; teas(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

Abrams took to Instagram to share her upcoming tour dates, teasing fans with the caption, “we’re baaaaaack.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Their rapid run up has also at times forced state insurance commissioners to moonlight as forensic accountants, teasing out company relationships.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

He even managed to get a more current jest in, teasing the group of young cadets with a “six-seven” joke about making good choices.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

On Friday, the president confirmed that he wouldn’t make it, after teasing Thursday that he just had a bit too much going on.

From Slate • May 23, 2026

She had the feeling that the boy was only teasing the girl, but she had to know for sure.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Related Words

• irritating
• joking
• mocking