Simple Definition of rankle

from our Learner's Dictionary

rankle

verb

rankles; rankled; rankling
: to cause (someone) to feel angry or irritated especially for a long time
The joke about her family rankled her.
The fact that he never repaid the money still rankles (with her) years later.

Cite this Entry

“Rankle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rankle. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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