Definition

Verb: * To ring or sound with a light, clear, tinkling tone, like that of a small bell.

Usage

This is a formal, literary, and somewhat rare verb. It is used to describe a specific, delicate ringing sound. It often evokes a poetic or descriptive quality.

Examples

• The tiny silver bells on her bracelet tintinnabulated softly with every movement of her wrist.
• In the silent winter air, the distant chimes from the village chapel tintinnabulated.
• The wind caused the crystal pendants to tintinnabulate against each other.

Advanced Usage

• The verb is often used in its present participle form (tintinnabulating) for descriptive effect.
  • We fell asleep to the gentle, tintinnabulating sound of wind chimes on the porch.

Variants and Related Words

• Tintinnabulation (noun): The ringing or sound of bells.
  • The tintinnabulation of the church bells filled the square.
• Tintinnabulary (adjective): Of or relating to bells.

Synonyms

• Chime
• Tinkle
• Jingle
• Ring

Antonyms

• Clang
• Boom
• Thud

Verb

1. ring or sound like a small bell