Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Making a harsh, discordant, metallic sound: Describes a noise produced by non-musical metallic objects striking together, often perceived as unpleasant or chaotic.
   • Characterized by a clashing or ringing noise: Pertaining to sounds that are loud, sharp, and lack harmony.

Usage

• The adjective "jangling" is used to describe a specific type of harsh, metallic sound. It typically modifies nouns that are sources of such noise.
• It often carries a negative connotation, implying the sound is irritating or disruptive.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The jangling keys in his pocket announced his arrival long before we saw him.
  • She was distracted by the jangling sound of the loose chains on the gate.
  • The old shop's door opened with a jangling bell.

Advanced Usage

• "to set someone's nerves jangling": to cause someone to feel extremely irritated, tense, or on edge.
  • The constant construction noise outside my window sets my nerves jangling every morning.

Variants and Related Words

• Jangle (verb): To make a harsh, metallic sound.
  • The bracelets jangle on her wrist.
• Jangly (adjective): An informal variant with the same meaning as "jangling".
  • The band has a jangly guitar sound.

Synonyms

• Clanging: Making a loud, resonant metallic sound.
• Clattering: Making a continuous, rattling sound as of hard objects striking together.
• Discordant: Lacking harmony or agreement; harsh in sound.

Antonyms

• Melodious: Producing a pleasant, tuneful sound.
• Harmonious: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole; free from discord.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Jangling nerves: A state of irritation or anxiety, often caused by noise or stress.
  • The politician's speech was full of contradictions, leaving the audience with jangling nerves.

Adjective

1. like the discordant ringing of nonmusical metallic objects striking together
   • cowboys with jangling spurs