feel

verb

\ ˈfēl

felt\ ˈfelt

\; feeling

Definition of feel

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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.

2a : 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

4a : 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

1a : 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.

2a : 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 like

: to have an inclination for feel like a walk?

feel

noun

Definition of feel (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : sensation, feeling

2 : the sense of touch

3a : 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about feel

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Synonyms for feel

Synonyms: Verb

perceive, scent, see, sense, smell, taste

Synonyms: Noun

feeling, sensation, sense

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

Working out all of the details of a getaway like that — where to stay, what to see, which guides to use — can make your fantasy vacation feel like work. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "6 Luxury Pre-Planned Trips You Need to Book Immediately," 15 Mar. 2019 There are so many speeches, handshakes, and requests for selfies that spending a day with Wen feels like being with a politician on the stump. — Kayla Webley Adler, Marie Claire, "The New President Of Planned Parenthood Has Big Plans For The Future," 14 Mar. 2019 While a giant pile of gifts might feel like a lot of fun in the moment, a fiver party actually gives kids the opportunity to think about how to manage money. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "Fiver Parties Are Better for Kids, According to Developmental Experts," 8 Mar. 2019 And for this, I am supposed to feel ... very, very anxious and at least a little ashamed. — Andrea Bartz, Good Housekeeping, "Look, I'm a Self-Promoting Woman. And I’m Not Apologizing for It.," 14 Feb. 2019 On the road, in low-traction situations like snow, part-time systems tend to feel reassuringly stable. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "Why the New Jeep Wrangler's Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine Is Totally Worth the Extra Money," 13 Feb. 2019 On Instagram at least, Kaling seems like the type of mom who couldn’t possibly have anything to feel guilty over. — Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, "Mindy Kaling Is Done Feeling Guilty Over New Mom Expectations," 21 Jan. 2019 Yet the sensation of being casually stared at, sized-up, and generally found wanting by every passerby with the inclination to do so left me feeling slightly like a panda in a zoo with no bamboo shoots to hide behind. — Steve King, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why We Keep Going Back to Amsterdam," 24 Dec. 2018 Rambagh Palace Verandah is also special: have drinks and a palm reading there to feel like a Maharani. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Designers Behind Block Shop Share Their Guide to Jaipur," 12 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The faceted metal frames come in an endless multitude of shapes, from modernist cubes and spheres to more complex house-like silhouettes with an almost Victorian feel. — Michele Petry, House Beautiful, "Until It’s Gardening Weather Again, I’ll Be Staring at These Tabletop Terrariums," 21 Feb. 2019 The pure lines of the room offer a simple yet refined environment with a Creole feel, made with stone, wood, resin, and gray marble. — Hannah Seligson, Town & Country, "The Best Room At," 9 Feb. 2019 Complete with a decidedly retro feel, SpaceX's new experimental rocket has been fully assembled at the company's Boca Chica, Texas, launch site. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Elon Musk Reveals SpaceX's New Retro Test Rocket," 11 Jan. 2019 Most won't find themselves at a crossroads like Sabrina's, but fans eagerly awaiting the show's release on October 26 were able to get a feel for the two options at Netflix's Spellman House this past Saturday (October 20) in Los Angeles. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "The "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" Spellman House Was a Spooky Adventure Fit for Instagram," 26 Oct. 2018 The red velvet and chocolate cake will be a traditional cake, with a modern feel. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "How Princess Eugenie's Wedding Broke Royal Protocol," 13 Oct. 2018 Brimming with confidence, Phillips hit all the big notes and filled the room with feels. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, "Watch 'America's Got Talent' Contestant Makayla Phillips Win Golden Buzzer With Demi Lovato Cover," 11 July 2018 Much of the journey would be made by feel, pulling themselves along bit by bit. — John Ismay, New York Times, "Why the Thailand Cave Rescue Was So Difficult: A Diver Explains," 10 July 2018 Honnold and Caldwell climbed the Nose yesterday, intentionally moving at a more casual pace to get a feel for how the deaths affected their headspace. — Matt Skenazy, Outside Online, "Caldwell and Honnold Break the Nose Record. Again.," 4 June 2018

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