tinkling

present participle of tinkle
as in clinking
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

Relevance

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 tinkling The small fragments of colorful glass, strung along together, produce soothing sounds, their tinkling notes wafting through the air alongside a chorus of windchimes and the sweet scent of plumeria blooming in the garden. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026 Food and drink Fontana restaurant is the main attraction here, with an inviting courtyard and a tinkling fountain lending a European feel. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026 The marbled, frescoed, octagonal room was domed to amplify the sound of a tinkling keys at the center, and hosted regular recitals. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026 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 Eerie chants, tinkling percussion, zany strings, and plucky swelling piano. Grace Byron, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkling
Verb
  • The central lobby space is a social scene abuzz with people enjoying formal afternoon tea, clinking glasses at the Champagne bar (rotating themes and partnerships add variety for locals) or tucking into meals at the dining room.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Avtan often won’t tell Paz anything about the source or meaning of her many samples, which can take the form of fragmented dialogue and what sounds like clinking kitchenware.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • The Household Cavalry, on dark horses and with brightly shining breastplates, trotted past, jingling like a cutlery drawer.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The hiker then begins jingling bells in the bear's face in an attempt to scare it off, but the bear charges forward.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The dust that rises in the afternoons reaches Calama, ringing people’s lives like a halo of potential death.
    Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
  • By the end of Friday, the market had given a ringing endorsement .
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Though brief, Yoon’s martial law declaration plunged South Korea into a political crisis, paralyzing politics and high-level diplomacy while rattling financial markets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • High yields worldwide have been rattling investors since the war sent oil prices bursting above $100 per barrel in March.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • According to the report, the boy first developed progressive facial numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by loss of appetite, painful swallowing and vomiting.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Some report numbness or tingling in their hand and feet, or balance problems.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkling. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tinkling

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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