tinny

adjective

tin·​ny ˈti-nē 

tinnier; tinniest

1

: thin in tone

a tinny voice

2

a

: resembling tin

b

: light, cheap

c

: lacking depth or substance : empty

tinny arguments

3

: of, abounding in, or yielding tin

tinnily

ˈti-nə-lē 

adverb

tinniness

ˈti-nē-nəs 

noun

Examples of tinny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the feature turned on, higher voices gain a tinny quality as the AI works to boost conversational tones in a semi-loud environment. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 23 Sep. 2026

The harumphing bellows and tinny clash of a college marching band? — Matt Piper, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

The Cramps’ early lineup featured two guitarists — Ivy and the wraithlike Bryan Gregory — and no bassist, which made their trebly sound even tinnier and trashier. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

If left in an open can overnight, the flavor turns tinny and unpleasant. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for tinny

• finny
• ginny
• jinny
• mini
• minnie
• ninny
• pinnae
• skinny
• spinney
• spline
• swinney
• whinny

Kids Definition

tinny

adjective

tin·​ny ˈtin-ē 

tinnier; tinniest

: resembling or suggesting tin