jangle

play

verb jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\

Definition of jangle

jangled

;

jangling

play \ˈjaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ\

intransitive verb
1 : to make a harsh or discordant often ringing sound keys jangling in my pocket
2 : to quarrel verbally
3 : to talk idly
transitive verb
1a : to cause to sound harshly or inharmoniouslyb : to excite to tense irritation jangled nerves
2 : to utter or sound in a discordant, babbling, or chattering way

jangler

play \ˈjaŋ-g(ə-)lər\ noun

See jangle defined for English-language learners

See jangle defined for kids

Examples of jangle in a sentence

Coins jangled out of the machine.
He jangled his keys loudly outside the door.

Origin and Etymology of jangle

Middle English, from Anglo-French jangler, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch jangelen to grumble

First Known Use: 14th century

jangle

noun jan·gle

Definition of jangle

1 : a discordant often ringing sound the jangle of spurs
2 : noisy quarreling
3 : idle talk

Examples of jangle in a sentence

the hall was abuzz with the usual preconvention jangle

14th Century

First Known Use of jangle

14th century

JANGLE Defined for English Language Learners

jangle

play

verb jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\

Definition of jangle for English Language Learners

: to make a harsh ringing sound
: to cause (something) to make a harsh ringing sound

JANGLE Defined for Kids

jangle

play

verb jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\

Definition of jangle for Students

jangled

;

jangling

: to make or cause to make a sound like the harsh ringing of a bell He jangled his keys.

Headscratcher for jangle

Jangle and jingle are close in spelling, and in meaning, too. To jangle is to make a harsh ringing sound, while to jingle is to make a light ringing sound.