feel

1 of 2

verb

ˈfēl 

felt ˈfelt  ; 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

: sensation, feeling

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?

Synonyms

Verb

• perceive
• scent
• see
• sense
• smell
• taste

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

Life after a cancer diagnosis can feel more fragile and less carefree. —Mia Taylor, Parents, 9 Apr. 2024

With British companies looking for greener pastures in the U.S., top chiefs flagging low pay, and public listings feeling tedious, the post-Brexit U.K. has seen more discouraging news in the business realm than anticipated. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 9 Apr. 2024

And in larger jurisdictions with more than 100,000 voters, which in recent years have felt the brunt of misinformation as well as turnover struggles, incoming officials were found to have an average of 11 years of experience. —Miles Parks, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024

One more note: At some point in any good horror movie, things need to feel overwhelming, as if there is no escape. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024

Gwen Stefani says trying to balance motherhood with her No Doubt career felt like everything was a sacrifice. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024

Some voting-rights groups say young voters often feel disillusioned because lawmakers suppress their participation. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

With its technological capabilities accelerating everyday, AI feels capable of overcoming almost any obstacle. —Maria Paula Fernandez, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

What is felt is what’s most important this evening. —Anthony Bryant, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024

Noun

This external source could be a magazine, video, person, or other stimuli that makes the female feel aroused. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

This spring, expect whites, reds, and shades of soft pastels (think lilacs, yellows, and sky blues) to bring a fresh feel to outdoor spaces. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024

The gel-like feel was just right—neither too thick nor too loose—with a light and airy sensation that pleased the senses. —Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024

Some people avoid translucent powder for fear of looking blotchy or ghostlike, but with its weightless feel and seamless finish, Laura Mercier’s loose powder will convert even the most skeptical among us. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024

This option, the Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser, delivers a powerful stream of water that gets in between each tooth for a super clean feel. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024

Day 1 Check into the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, a contemporary property with the feel of a nostalgic New England resort. —Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2024

Above, baskets full of faux tropical plants hanging from the ceiling create the feel of an arboretum. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2024

The exterior is aluminum, which gives it a high-end feel, and the minimal style fits right into the same vein as an Apple MacBook Air or similar ultraportable. —PCMAG, 31 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing feel

• by feel
• cop a feel
• check/take/feel someone's pulse
• feel crummy
• feel free
• feel left out
• feel for
• feel-good
• feel/look like something the cat brought/dragged/drug in
• feel one's age
• feel strongly
• feel the need
• feel the heat/cold
• feel the pinch
• feel up
• know/feel in one's bones
• make someone feel (right) at home
• feel bad
• feel lousy
• feel constrained
• feel one's best
• feel someone's pain
• feel out
• feel cruddy
• feel sorry for oneself
• feel like oneself
• feel compelled
• look/feel like a million dollars/bucks
• feel one's way
• feel sick
• feel no pain
• feel like
• feel one's oats
• feel one's ears burning

Kids Definition

feel

1 of 2 verb

ˈfēl 

felt ˈfelt  ; feeling

1

a

: to sense through direct contact

especially : touch entry 1 sense 1

b

: to examine or test by touching : handle

2

a

: experience entry 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

c

: believe sense 5, think

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

: sensation sense 1c, feeling

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

ˈfē(ə)l 

felt ˈfelt  ; 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

: sensation, feeling