tinkles 1 of 2

Definition of tinklesnext
plural of tinkle
as in rattles
a series of short high ringing sounds the soothing tinkle of the wind chime on the back porch

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tinkles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tinkle
as in clinks
to make a repeated sharp light ringing sound the bell around the cat's neck tinkled as he ran across the yard

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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 tinkles
Noun
Periodically a mandolin tinkles, or maybe a fiddle swoops in as if from a low-hanging cloud. Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2026 Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026 Sometimes, in the deep winter quiet, a piano tinkles in Kelley’s Saloon, and the spirits dance to ghostly music. Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 16 Oct. 2025 From the moment that Jerry Goldsmith’s piano tinkles caress the opening bars of his score while stars float past the frame, anyone with a soul knows that this is not your average IP cash-in. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkles
Noun
  • Cunningham’s Fisher-Price pianos and decrepit drums are unmistakable, as is Ciani’s Buchla, which whooshes and rattles like a steam engine barreling down the tracks.
    Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Most people initially become aware of the reptiles by hearing their rattles, which the snakes use to try to scare off aggressors or to distract prey.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the bullet weight clinks and clacks along the bottom, bass will key in on your rig and follow it.
    Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Each robot, remotely operated, clinks glasses and gestures in unison, embodying the camaraderie and hope of the musical’s revolutionaries.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Embedded in its arpeggiated pads, chimes, and windswept atmospherics is the same chillmaxed peak-time rhapsody favored by peers like Nick León and Facta, whose ever-consistent imprint with K-Lone, Wisdom Teeth, released this track.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The heart is painted to look like a globe, and the chimes can play melodies from different countries.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The question was about coaching in general, but certainly rings true in the Heat’s case.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Norah feels celebrated and strengthened by its community, an ethos that rings true when Claire speaks about those around her.
    Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The most immediate disruption may appear in commercial niches such as advertising jingles or podcast themes.
    Steven Melendez, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The jingles and sounders used to identify CBS News network programming heard on the stations for decades have also been part of the listening experience.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tinkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkles. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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