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View synonyms for

tinkle

[ ting-kuhl ]

verb (used without object)

tinkled, tinkling.
  1. to give forth or make a succession of short, light, ringing sounds, as a small bell.
  2. to run one's fingers lightly over a keyboard instrument or to play such an instrument simply or badly.
  3. Baby Talk. to urinate.


verb (used with object)

tinkled, tinkling.
  1. to cause to tinkle or jingle:

    The goat tinkled its bell every time it raised its head. Who's tinkling the piano?

  2. to make known, call attention to, attract, or summon by tinkling.

noun

  1. a tinkling sound or tune.
  2. an act or instance of tinkling.
  3. Informal. a telephone call:

    Give me a tinkle before you leave for Europe.

tinkle

/ ˈɪŋə /

verb

  1. to ring or cause to ring with a series of high tinny sounds, like a small bell
  2. tr to announce or summon by such a ringing
  3. informal.
    intr to urinate
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a high clear ringing sound
  2. the act of tinkling
  3. informal.
    a telephone call
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈپ԰Բ, adjectivenoun
  • ˈپ԰, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • dzܳtk verb (used with object) outtinkled outtinkling
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tinkle1

1350–1400; Middle English tynclen, frequentative of tinken to clink; imitative
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tinkle1

C14: of imitative origin
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Whenever he discovers some pretty little thing, the frame momentarily transforms into a commercial for excess, with a gleaming image of his unearthed treasure floating onscreen as a heavenly glissando tinkles in the background.

From

René opens the music box, and a tinkling music begins to play, the same song heard long ago in his Damascus sitting room.

From

The hangers in the closets clashed and tinkled.

From

When she stepped inside, the tiny tinkle of a bell announced her arrival.

From

It’s quiet save for the homey sounds of rustling, the metallic tinkling of what seems like silverware and some faintly babbling voices, perhaps from a radio or TV.

From

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