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
But these layers can feel a bit heavy in the morning or may affect your clothes, making a night shower the better option. Korin Miller, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 Keeping the focus on sunny vibes — the melodies were felt as much as heard — Ivy is ultimately a practitioner of working-class pop. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 Even with the crowds, its reputation as a refuge feels truer than ever. Don’t miss ... Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 The difference is that our relationship feels more equally weighted. Annie Lord, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 There’s something going on there that feels a little performative. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 In some sense, that bitter, prickly sentiment feels more vulnerable than anything revealed on his latest album. Lindsay Zoladz, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Disruptions in supply chains are felt from Atlanta to Amsterdam. Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Mar. 2024 The artificial environments felt a bit like Disney World at sea. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024
Noun
And in the bright sunshine, out of the shadows and not required to exist under a blanket of clouds, a day such as Friday with a high of 66 provides the physical feel and creature comforts of a far warmer day. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 The oceanfront hotel has a more upscale feel than its mainland Disney counterparts and features standout dining, a luxury spa, an expansive water park, and posh accommodations that range from studio rooms to multi-room suites. Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 The rooms lean modern, but retain an early 20th-century feel with signature teacups with Tiffany Blue stripes, marble bathrooms, Liddell linens, and large windows overlooking Balfe Street. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 Available in sizes 18 through 26, the jeans fit snugly around the waist and have a more relaxed feel in the hips and thighs for comfortable all-day wear. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Ho Lee Fook Ho Lee Fook, a Hong Kong culinary landmark, recently got a facelift, so gone is the dim lighting and slightly claustrophobic feel and in comes something lighter, brighter and a bit more roomy. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 The black dress had a dazzling flamenco-meets-goth feel, made even more glamorous by Cardi's '90s-supermodel hair and smoky eyes. Marci Robin, Allure, 11 Mar. 2024 Gerwig’s gown, meanwhile, was a sparkling Gucci number of crystal mesh that also had an armor-like feel. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 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 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 28 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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