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

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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
The movie is antiquated sitcom, very much in an ‘80s vein, its veneer of schmaltz garnished with a tinkling score by Hans Zimmer that should come with a sugar-content warning. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Dec. 2025 Eerie chants, tinkling percussion, zany strings, and plucky swelling piano. Grace Byron, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkle
Noun
  • The gift basket included items such as a rattle, books, swaddles, and a blanket, along with other essentials for new parents.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Silver engraving, masks, totem poles, rattles, prints.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The trek up the swinging staircase, twinkle lights clinking with each step, had my heart pounding for more reason than one.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 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
  • Both funny and deeply powerful, The Big Sick shows the reality of romance with a heartfelt love story that rings true.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
  • More cheers rang out across Riviera — Max Greyserman with a hole-in-one on the 14th, Tommy Fleetwood jarring one for eagle from the fairway on the 15th, and Kitayama stuffing his tee shot on the par-3 16th and then barely clearing the bunker to set up a two-putt birdie on the par-5 17th.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkle. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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