feeler

noun feel·er \ ˈfē-lər \

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

See feeler defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of feeler from the Web

Indeed, Football Italia are pushing a story today that suggests that the Old Lady have put out feelers around Roma's midfield ace Kevin Strootman.

— SI.com, "Juventus Reportedly Set to Continue Their Long-Standing Pursuit of Roma Star," 29 Aug. 2017
Informal discussions about the sale were suspended during the Civil War, but in the aftermath, Seward, a firm believer in Manifest Destiny, started quietly putting out feelers, even as Eduard Stoeckl, Russia's minister to the U.S., did likewise.

— david a. james, Alaska Dispatch News, "Insightful new look at ‘Seward’s Folly’," 16 July 2017
Engineer and former mayoral candidate Troy Henry has put out feelers for another possible campaign, political observers said, but his name has remained absent from the Secretary of State's list of official candidates.

— richard rainey, NOLA.com, "NOLA Votes 2017: Clock ticks for last-minute candidates," 14 July 2017
After sending out feelers for jobs with no response, Baker thought his career was over and started a winery and an alternative energy business.

— paul sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Dusty Baker keeps winning wherever he goes — job security be damned," 26 June 2017
After Mr. Rubin left Google in 2014, the company started to re-evaluate the robotics unit and put out feelers about selling off some of the companies involved, including Boston Dynamics.

— daisuke wakabayashi, New York Times, "SoftBank to Buy Boston Dynamics, Maker of Animal-Like Robots," 9 June 2017
Kushner Companies is sending out feelers for the loan against its 50-story Trump Bay Street in Jersey City.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "Jared Kushner’s Huge Saudi Arms Deal May Be Smaller than It Seems," 5 June 2017
Kushner Companies is sending out feelers for the loan against its 50-story Trump Bay Street in Jersey City.

— bess levin, The Hive, "Jared Kushner’s Huge Saudi Arms Deal May Be Smaller than It Seems," 5 June 2017
That prompted Melendres, of Lakewood, to put out feelers elsewhere, including to his previous employer, Smashburger.

— john aguilar, The Denver Post, "Colorado Mills workers grapple with hailstorm aftermath: “Crazy how fast it can change your life”," 4 June 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

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

FEELER Defined for Kids

feeler

noun feel·er \ ˈfē-lər \

Definition of feeler for Students

:a long flexible structure (as an insect's antenna) that is an organ of touch

Medical Dictionary

feeler

noun feel·er \ ˈfē-lər \

medical Definition of feeler

:one that feels; especially :a tactile process (as a tentacle) of an animal

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See words that rhyme with feeler Spanish Central: Translation of feeler Nglish: Translation of feeler for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of feeler for Arabic speakers

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feeler

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FEELER Defined for English Language Learners

feeler

Definition of feeler for English Language Learners

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feeler

Definition of feeler for Students

Medical Dictionary

feeler

medical Definition of feeler

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