tinkling

verb

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

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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 tinkling Eerie chants, tinkling percussion, zany strings, and plucky swelling piano. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkling
  1. clinking
  2. jingling
  3. ringing
  4. rattling
  5. tingling
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
Definition of clinking
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
Definition of jingling
Verb
  • The act of ringing the opening bell suggests why the president’s emphasis on the stock market might not help his party much with voters this fall.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • There is no automatic, immutable rule that a visionary controller magically loses their touch exactly 120 months after ringing the opening bell at the stock exchange, and little data to suggest that controllers lose their touch so quickly.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Definition of ringing
Verb
  • The score by Tangerine Dream should be even more brain-rattling than usual in that venue.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Advances in engineering and flying at high altitudes can mitigate noise and avoid the rattling blast of a sonic boom.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Definition of rattling
Verb
  • Some report numbness or tingling in their hand and feet, or balance problems.
    — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 23 June 2026
  • Fans' spidey senses are tingling after the release of promotional merchandise for the latest iteration of the franchise.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Definition of tingling

Browse Nearby Words

tinkles
tinkling
tin lizzie
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Cite this Entry

“Tinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkling. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tinkling

Nglish: Translation of tinkling for Spanish Speakers

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