noun / verb
tinkle
TING-kuhl/tˈɪŋkʌl/
A light delicate ringing or trickling sound.
The glass chimes tinkle as they lightly touch.
Etymology
Tinkle probably combines a ringing verb with an ending suggesting repeated action: a succession of small, gentle rings. The underlying verb itself probably imitates a short metallic sound.
In context
While we were making her comfortable the telephone continued to tinkle.
More examples
- We hear the delicate tinkle of glasses touching.
- The wind chimes tinkled softly on the porch.
- The tinkle of water from the fountain fills the quiet courtyard.
Forms
tinkle · tinkles · tinkled · tinkling
tinkly adjective — Making a light, delicate ringing sound.