Definition of tintinnabulationnext
as in rattle
a series of short high ringing sounds the merry tintinnabulation of church bells

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 tintinnabulation 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, 26 Oct. 2021 Two dozen billiard balls roll on tracks, striking a series of devices that set off a tintinnabulation of bells, chimes and metallic clinks. Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2021 Though this installation of tintinnabulation has been a feature of the garden for more than a decade, some frequent visitors only noticed the chimes this summer, when a small crew recently installed them in a large linden tree adjacent to Parade Stadium. Kim Hyatt, Star Tribune, 23 July 2021 The delicate tintinnabulation of Adasiewicz’s vibes dovetailed with Reed’s telegraphic drum work, Reid’s amber cellos lines, Johnson’s silvery trumpet phrases and Heinemann’s warmly resonant bass. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 27 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tintinnabulation
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
Noun
  • The latest single’s biting percussion and synth clatter are owed in part to Styles’s longtime producer Kid Harpoon’s growing taste for the bespoke sounds of modular gear.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The clatter of rising shutters echoed through the empty streets, the occasional rambler scurried past, along the walls, bundled tightly in his coat, women walked by with milk bottles tucked in shawls wrapped around their chests.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
Noun
  • There were even multiple catchy jingles that captured the correct ratios for each component, though different versions included varying amounts.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Besides the trademark ATMs, the company’s vending machines found at many airports made loud, attention-drawing jingles, drawing dramatic complaints and jokes from TikTok travelers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Tintinnabulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tintinnabulation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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!