Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Making a light, clear, ringing sound: Describes something that produces a series of short, high-pitched, metallic sounds, like those made by small bells, wind chimes, or ice in a glass.

Usage

• The adjective tinkling is used to describe a sound, typically one that is pleasant, light, and repetitive. It often evokes a sense of delicacy, fragility, or cheerfulness.
• It is commonly used before a noun (e.g., ) or after a linking verb like or (e.g., ).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We could hear the tinkling sound of wind chimes from the porch.
  • The fountain made a gentle, tinkling noise that was very soothing.
  • Her laughter was like tinkling bells.

Advanced Usage

• "tinkling laughter": A metaphorical use to describe laughter that is light, high-pitched, and cheerful, reminiscent of the sound of bells.
  • The children's tinkling laughter filled the playground.
• Used in literary contexts to create auditory imagery.
  • The only sound in the frosty air was the tinkling of icicles falling from the eaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Tinkle (verb): To make a light, ringing sound.
  • The bell will tinkle when you open the door.
• Tinkle (noun): A light, ringing sound.
  • I heard a faint tinkle from the other room.

Synonyms

• Jingling: Making a light ringing sound, often from metal objects like coins or keys.
• Ringing: Emitting a clear, resonant sound.
• Chiming: Making a melodious ringing sound, like a clock or bell.

Antonyms

• Booming: Making a deep, loud, resonant sound.
• Thudding: Making a dull, heavy sound.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Not worth a tinker's damn/curse: (Idiom) Something utterly worthless. (Note: This idiom uses "tinker," a related but distinct word for a mender of metal pots, not the sound "tinkling." It is included here due to the phonetic similarity and potential for confusion.)
  • His opinion on the matter is not worth a tinker's damn.

Adjective

1. like the short high ringing sound of a small bell
   • sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal