feeler

noun feel·er \ ˈfē-lər \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of feeler

: one that feels: such as

a : a tactile process (such as a tentacle) of an animal

b : something (such as a proposal) ventured to ascertain the views of others

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Recent Examples of feeler from the Web

If there are any feelers going out about cost-sharing, that’s a likely topic.

— eric talmadge, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump reportedly seeking discreet way to help pay Kim Jong Un’s hotel bill for summit," 4 June 2018
If there are any feelers going out about cost-sharing, that's a likely topic.

— eric talmadge, Fox News, "At Trump-Kim summit, don't expect NKorea to foot the bill," 4 June 2018
Irving didn’t draw any feelers and ultimately signed his one-year tender with the Cowboys with hopes of earning a long-term contract extension next season.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "Cowboys' out-of-shape DT David Irving still raising questions about commitment | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 24 May 2018
The hackers put out feelers around the scene and found a buyer in the Seychelles who was willing to pay $5,000 for the counterfeit console.

— brendan i. koerner, WIRED, "The Young and the Reckless," 17 Apr. 2018
According to Carly Cassella of Science Alert, the critter boasts a number of features that are not seen in any other modern turtle, like the two rows of tubercles that act like feelers.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Turtle That Breathes Through Its Genitals Lands on Endangered Reptiles List," 13 Apr. 2018
Interestingly, the newspaper has stated that Leicester star Jamie Vardy is another player the Old Trafford club have put initial feelers out for.

— SI.com, "Man Utd Make 'Preliminary Enquiries' for Former Fan Favourite and Surprise Secondary Target," 12 Jan. 2018
The Ethiopians are cosy with Turkey, a big investor, but have also put out friendly feelers to the UAE.

— The Economist, "The Gulf and the HornA bitter rivalry between Arab states is spilling into Africa," 23 Jan. 2018
While other schools in the SEC are making moves, firing coaches and putting out public feelers for their replacements, Arkansas sits.

— eric bolin, ajc, "The perception is Arkansas is sitting on its hands and perception is reality," 15 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feeler.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of feeler

1526

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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FEELER Defined for English Language Learners

feeler

noun

Definition of feeler for English Language Learners

: a movable part (such as an antenna) of an animal or insect that is used for touching things
: a suggestion or question to find out the thoughts or opinions of other people