SINCE 1828

kittle

verb kit·tle \ ˈki-tᵊl \

Definition of kittle

kittled; kittling play \ˈkit-liŋ, ˈki-tᵊl-iŋ\

transitive verb

1 chiefly Scotland : tickle

2 chiefly Scotland : perplex

Origin and Etymology of kittle

Middle English (northern dialect) kytyllen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

2

kittle

adjective

Definition of kittle

chiefly Scotland

: ticklish, touchy

First Known Use of kittle

1568

Learn More about kittle

See words that rhyme with kittle

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up kittle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

play

to lower or disgrace the reputation of

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Kittery Point

kittiwake

kittle

kittle cattle

kittlish

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game

kittle

Definition of kittle

Origin and Etymology of kittle

kittle

Definition of kittle

First Known Use of kittle

Learn More about kittle