tinkle 1 of 2

as in rattle
a series of short high ringing sounds the soothing tinkle of the wind chime on the back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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tinkle

2 of 2

verb

as in to clink
to make a repeated sharp light ringing sound the bell around the cat's neck tinkled as he ran across the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tinkle
Noun
The door chime at their floral and gift shop tinkles every few minutes as another customer and friend comes in to collect their $10 bows. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024 On our first evening the piano bar—resplendent in gold Thai silks, with tiger orchids blooming across the green carpet—was filled with laughter, the glug-glug-glug of Champagne pouring, and the tinkle of keys. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2024
Verb
The sound of the water tinkling on the fountain’s bronze statues makes my heart flutter. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 Just sit back and drink your coffee to the tune of tinkling cowbells across the valley. John Oseid, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkle
Noun
  • What to Know While there were no visible camera flashes during daylight hours, Harry's arrival at court sparked the audible rattle of many cameras taking pictures at the same time.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Baby rattlesnakes don’t have rattles, and adult snakes’ rattles occasionally break off, according to the National Park Service.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, this stat includes the myriad styles of chardonnay, even if our collective imagination pictures throngs of stereotypical oaky chard drinkers clinking glasses while snacking on sticks of butter.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Few places rival the electric thrill of a casino: air thick with smoke, chips clinking, muted footsteps on velvet carpets, all cast in the glow of glitzy chandeliers and neon slot machines.
    Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In an era where fingertips skim glass screens and keyboards clatter in relentless rhythm, the act of putting pen to paper feels almost radical.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Only Spagnuolo's voice can be heard over the low clatter of cutlery and coffee cups, suggesting the conversation was captured in a cafe or some other public place.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dogs showing signs of separation anxiety may benefit from gradual desensitization to being alone and learning to dissociate cues like jingling keys from being left alone.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • Some hikers wear small bells that jingle while walking, signaling their presence to animals.
    Ruffin Prevost, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Shivaree, chthonian, erumpent, tintinnabulation, exonumia, requiescat, deipnosophist, omphaloskepsis, horripilation, deliquesce, apopemptic.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021
  • Two dozen billiard balls roll on tracks, striking a series of devices that set off a tintinnabulation of bells, chimes and metallic clinks.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2021
Verb
  • The coaching staff couldn’t stomach sitting them for more than five minutes, however, and the message rang hollow.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • By halftime, your ears are ringing and your patience is tested.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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