twinge

1 of 2

noun

ˈtwinj How to pronounce twinge (audio)
Synonyms of twingenext
1
: a sudden sharp stab of pain
2
: a moral or emotional pang
a twinge of conscience
a twinge of sympathy

twinge

2 of 2

verb

twinged; twinging ˈtwin-jiŋ How to pronounce twinge (audio) or twingeing

transitive verb

1
dialect : pluck, tweak
2
: to affect with a sharp pain or pang

intransitive verb

: to feel a sudden sharp local pain

Synonyms of twinge

Relevance

Noun

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Examples of twinge in a Sentence

Noun He felt a twinge of arthritis when he stood up. I still feel an occasional twinge in my leg from the accident. I felt a twinge of guilt.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Every milestone comes with a twinge. — Lindsay Calleran, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Back in Carletonville, Shalom felt a twinge of regret. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026
Verb
When Bradish gave up his first hit of the night, the air occupied by the Orioles faithful twinged. — Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2024 The twist, however, is the sauce — a rich, steaming hot broth twinged with tomato and a gentle chile buzz that more closely resembles a soup. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, 6 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for twinge

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English twengen, from Old English twengan; akin to Old High German zwengen to pinch

First Known Use

Noun

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twinge was before the 12th century

Rhymes for twinge

See All Rhymes for twinge

Browse Nearby Words

twinflower
twinge
twingle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Twinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twinge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

twinge

1 of 2 verb
ˈtwinj How to pronounce twinge (audio)
twinged; twinging ˈtwin-jiŋ How to pronounce twinge (audio) or twingeing
: to affect with or feel a sudden sharp pain

twinge

2 of 2 noun
1
: a sudden sharp stab of pain
2
: moral or emotional distress
a twinge of regret

Medical Definition

twinge

noun
ˈtwinj How to pronounce twinge (audio)
: a sudden sharp stab of pain

More from Merriam-Webster on twinge

Nglish: Translation of twinge for Spanish Speakers

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