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

So, why then do so some folks willingly crave foods that make their mouths pucker and tongues tingle?

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2025

As it now exists, it captures the supernatural tingle of little bells, as well as the heart-throb of gongs, all sounding off in the misty distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025

"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

Although Price hadn't worked on a Madonna concert since 2006, their bat-senses began to tingle in January.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2023

Pasiphaë paced in front of them, examining Hazel, her eyes so full of hate it made Hazel’s skin tingle.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan