feel

1 of 2

verb

felt ˈfelt How to pronounce feel (audio) ; feeling

transitive verb

1
a
: to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality
She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.
b
: to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles)
He felt a sudden pain in his leg.
2
a
: to undergo passive experience of
continually felt the resentment of his competitors
b
: to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by
felt the insult deeply
3
: to ascertain by cautious trial
usually used with out
feeling out the sentiments of their neighbors on the subject of school improvements
4
a
: to be aware of by instinct or inference
feel trouble brewing
b
: believe, think
say what you really feel
5
US slang : to understand (someone) : to know how (someone) feels
Yeah, I feel you on that. I fall asleep every time I'm in the car as well.Scott Sugarman
When you buckle your chinstrap up, it's with a purpose, dog! Do you feel me?Eric Berry

intransitive verb

1
a
: to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation
lost the ability to feel in his fingertips
b
: to search for something by using the sense of touch
She felt in her purse for her keys.
2
a
: to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition
I feel sick.
b
: to have a marked sentiment or opinion
feels strongly about it
3
: seem
it feels like spring today
4
: to have sympathy or pity
I feel for you

feel

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: the sense of touch
3
a
: the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch
b
: typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere
also : an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere
4
: intuitive knowledge or ability
Phrases
feel like
: to have an inclination for
feel like a walk?

Examples of feel in a Sentence

Verb He felt a sudden pain in his leg. I could feel the warmth of the sun. I felt someone tap my shoulder. Do you feel a draft? She felt the fabric to see if it was wool. Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones. Noun the feel of old leather Although the table is brand-new, it has the look and feel of an antique. He liked the feel of the sun on his face.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The artificial environments felt a bit like Disney World at sea. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 Any retail that survived Covid is good retail and so people are feeling confident about investing in retail property. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The arena, located on the sprawling campus of the former St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, still feels slightly isolated — largely surrounded by red brick former hospital buildings in various states of construction or disrepair. Ashraf Khalil, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Lowball Offers What feels like diligence to hiring managers under pressure can seem like unfairness to job candidates. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024 He’s also shocked to learn that Tanya’s pregnant with his future grandchild, and nobody asks him any questions about the battery tech that just happens to match what’s going on with the top-secret submersible, which feels like an oversight. EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 Sabrina Carpenter is feeling light as a feather with a certain Irish actor on her mind. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 The cleanser created a beautiful lather with each use, and left my skin feeling clean but not dried out, like some cleansers. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 But one of our top-producing team members—a real expert in his domain—came to us with a plan to approach these opportunities in a way that felt more human. Jamison Powell, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Noun
Waffle weave shower curtains are a great way to add texture and a spa-like feel to your bathroom. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 These soft, high-quality picks lend your space a spa-like feel that combines functionality, comfort, and trending bathroom decor styles. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Mar. 2024 Similar to the Sleek Back Bodysuit, this is constructed from the brand’s signature Airbrush fabric, which is sweat-wicking with a buttery soft, flexible feel. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 The Kansas men’s basketball team lost to Baylor on Saturday, but there was a different feel around the postgame presser with Jayhawks coach Bill Self. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 The restaurant’s look has been altered a bit, with its original industrial feel softened by wood details, dark leather and gold finishes. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Check out sticky note apps for real-time brainstorms with a traditional pen-and-paper feel. Christine Faulhaber, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Made from metal shipping containers, the new tiny homes have anything but a sterile feel to them. Brammhi Balarajan, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 The top accommodation, Villa One penthouse reimagines the feel of One&Only’s beach villas. Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English felen, from Old English fēlan; akin to Old High German fuolen to feel, Latin palpare to caress

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near feel

Cite this Entry

“Feel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

feel

1 of 2 verb
felt ˈfelt How to pronounce feel (audio) ; feeling
1
a
: to sense through direct contact
especially : touch entry 1 sense 1
b
: to examine or test by touching : handle
2
b
: to suffer from
3
: to discover by trying carefully
often used with out
4
a
: to be aware of
feel trouble brewing
b
: to be conscious of a physical or mental state
feel happy
feel sick
5
: to search for something with the fingers
6
: to seem especially to the touch
feels rough
7
: to have sympathy or pity
I feel for you

feel

2 of 2 noun
1
: the sense of touch
2
3
: the quality of a thing as indicated through touch
4
: intuitive knowledge or ability
a feel for languages

Medical Definition

feel

1 of 2 verb
felt ˈfelt How to pronounce feel (audio) ; feeling

transitive verb

1
: to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality
felt the compress to see if it was wet
2
: to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles)

intransitive verb

1
: to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation
2
: to search for something by using the sense of touch

feel

2 of 2 noun
1
: the perception of physical sensations
especially : the sense of touch
2

More from Merriam-Webster on feel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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