tinkle 1 of 2

Definition of tinklenext
as in rattle
a series of short high ringing sounds the soothing tinkle of the wind chime on the back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

tinkle

2 of 2

verb

as in to clink
to make a repeated sharp light ringing sound the bell around the cat's neck tinkled as he ran across the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tinkle
Noun
The water fountains are trickling; wind chimes tinkle and shimmer in the breeze, and the store’s seemingly endless lines of indoor and outdoor décor are available to celebrate each season and occasion. Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 Now, new research suggests urination may function in a similar way: Captive chimpanzees that saw their peers peeing were more likely to take a tinkle themselves. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Transform a handful of old keys into a charming wind chime that adds a gentle, tinkling sound to your outdoor space. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026 Think: classical pieces, film scores, soft tinkling piano music or quiet Celtic flutes. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkle
Noun
  • The sound of children playing has given way to the rattle of helium balloons clinging to the memorial for 11-year-old QueenEr’Re Reed.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • If your current carry-on rattles, tips, or barely survives a weekend away, consider this your sign.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Paveletzke drove straight down the middle of the court for a would-be game-winner … but Suder, who struggled offensively most of the night, met him at the rim and went straight up defensively, forcing Paveletzke’s running layup to clink off the front rim.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • As the night progressed, cocktail glasses continued to clink while a tasty île flottante dessert made its way to each table.
    Avon Dorsey, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • German biathlete Justus Strelow watched his bronze clatter to the floor mid-victory-dance on live television.
    Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Even the ordinary clatter of life seems to fall into rhythm with something sacred.
    Zeyneb Sayilgan, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Netflix and Amazon jingled all the way to some big audiences on Christmas Day, thanks to the NFL.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
  • The city’s more than 25-year-old parade marched down Crown Valley Parkway Saturday morning, Dec. 13, jingling all the way.
    Heather McRea, Oc Register, 14 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Cloudy chords, meditative tintinnabulation, the whoosh of wind and rain, blocks of iridescent brass — all these discrete sonorities trundled by, like a train of boxcars with panoramas painted on their sides.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Shivaree, chthonian, erumpent, tintinnabulation, exonumia, requiescat, deipnosophist, omphaloskepsis, horripilation, deliquesce, apopemptic.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021
Verb
  • Grandstands packed with spectators ring the closing holes.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Before and during the moment those shots ring out, Martinez's vehicle appears to be moving very slowly, if at all, and the brake lights can be seen.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkle. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tinkle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster