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
Verb
As the hotel’s doorman, complete with top hat and tails, opens the door to its opulent lobby and a piano player tinkles keys in the distance, that dream solidifies into reality. Rob Ledonne, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkles
Noun
  • With dresses and intimate wear for women; jewelry; personal care products; men’s wallets; baby swaddles, stuffies, rattles and teething toys; dog leashes, collars and toys; greeting cards and a wide range of home decor, the store is drawing people in.
    Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The snakes can, however, lose their rattles or simply decide not to use them.
    Don Sweeney April 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 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
  • So, when the phone chimes, we are fully prepared.
    Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Scored only by drum machine, a single synth, chimes, and tubular bells, the song’s straightforward tale sounds dramatically magnificent in spite of its spareness.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What was on your mind then post 9/11 with the film and what still rings true today?
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 13 May 2026
  • That definitely rings true for me this Mother’s Day.
    Nicole Varma, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Commercial news bulletins are generally shorter than news bulletins on public or community stations and can also feature advertisements and jingles.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
  • The most immediate disruption may appear in commercial niches such as advertising jingles or podcast themes.
    Steven Melendez, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tinkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkles. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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