verb / noun
tickle
TIK-ul/ˈtɪkl/
A light touch producing tingling or laughter.
A father gently tickles his child's side, and the child laughs.
Etymology
Middle English tikelen described repeated light touches producing a peculiar sensation; causing laughter became a more specific application. Its origin is uncertain, though it is probably a form of tick in the older sense “to touch.”
In context
oh oh he he's starting to tickle me this is a little mouse a little tiny Mouse
More examples
- A loose hair is tickling my neck.
- I have a tickle in my throat.
- Her playful sense of humor always tickles me.
Forms
tickle · tickles · tickled · tickling
ticklish adjective — Sensitive to light touches that cause laughter.
Similar words
- tingle
- Describes a prickling sensation, not the touch causing it.
- itch
- Suggests irritation that invites scratching rather than laughter.