tingle

American  

[ting-guhl] / ˈtɪŋ gəl /

verb (used without object)

tingled, tingling

1. to have a sensation of slight prickles, stings, or tremors, as from cold, a sharp blow, excitement, etc..

   I tingle all over.

2. to cause such a sensation.

   The scratch tingles.

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noun

1. a tingling sensation.

2. the tingling action of cold, a blow, excitement, etc.

   Synonyms:

   flutter, thrill

tingle British  

/ ˈtɪŋɡəl /

verb

1. (usually intr) to feel or cause to feel a prickling, itching, or stinging sensation of the flesh, as from a cold plunge or electric shock

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noun

1. a sensation of tingling

Other Word Forms

• tingler noun
• tingling adjective
• tinglingly adverb
• tingly adjective

Etymology

Origin of tingle

1350–1400; Middle English tinglen (v.), variant of tinkle

Explanation

When something tingles, it prickles or stings a tiny bit. Walking through a haunted house might make your skin tingle with fear. A cool breeze makes your skin tingle, and a pep rally might leave you tingling with excitement. Tingle can also call be used as a noun: a tingle is similar to a shiver or a shudder, a light sensation that may have an emotional or physical cause. An earlier meaning of tingle was "a ringing sensation or sound."

Example Sentences

Even now, I remember the tingle down my spine as I read it, and my immediate thought afterward: This is going to shake the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

Scott Speedman is in it for the tingle.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2024

"In addition to bitter taste, it also affects savory, salt, sweet, and sour tastes. However, AF-353 only blocks taste. Other oral sensations like the tingle from carbonation were not affected."

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

Some have the delicate crunch of fried sesame seeds, garlic or crushed peanuts, or the mouth-numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorns.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2024

My hands tingle, but I hold onto my camera like it’s a lifeline.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed