verb (used without object), tin·kled, tin·kling.
- to give forth or make a succession of short, light, ringing sounds, as a small bell.
- to run one’s fingers lightly over a keyboard instrument or to play such an instrument simply or badly.
- Baby Talk. to urinate.
verb (used with object), tin·kled, tin·kling.
- to cause to tinkle or jingle: The goat tinkled its bell every time it raised its head. Who’s tinkling the piano?
- to make known, call attention to, attract, or summon by tinkling.
noun
- a tinkling sound or tune.
- an act or instance of tinkling.
- Informal. a telephone call: Give me a tinkle before you leave for Europe.
verb
- to ring or cause to ring with a series of high tinny sounds, like a small bell
- (tr) to announce or summon by such a ringing
- (intr) British informal to urinate
noun
- a high clear ringing sound
- the act of tinkling
- British informal a telephone call
v.“to make a gentle ringing sound,” late 14c., possibly a frequentative form of tinken “to ring, jingle,” perhaps of imitative origin. Meaning “to urinate” is recorded from 1960, from childish talk. Related: Tinkled; tinkling.