tingle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, common in both spoken and written English, slightly more informal.
Quick answer
What does “tingle” mean?
A light, prickling, stinging sensation, often on the skin, like that caused by cold, excitement, or anticipation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light, prickling, stinging sensation, often on the skin, like that caused by cold, excitement, or anticipation.
A feeling of excitement or liveliness; a thrill. Can also describe a faint ringing sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical. Minor spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., 'tingling').
Connotations
Equally positive/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “tingle” in a Sentence
[Something] tingles.[Body part] tingles.[Someone] tingles with [emotion].It gives me a tingle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tingle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- My cheeks tingled in the frosty air.
- She felt her scalp tingle with fear.
American English
- My fingers tingle after being in the snow.
- It makes my spine tingle just thinking about it.
adverb
British English
- N/A (extremely rare).
American English
- N/A (extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- He had a tingly feeling in his foot.
- The tingly sensation was quite pleasant.
American English
- The soda left a tingly feeling on my tongue.
- I love the tingly scalp treatment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical marketing contexts (e.g., 'a tingle of excitement about the new product').
Academic
Rare, mostly in medical/psychological contexts describing paresthesia.
Everyday
Common for describing physical sensations from cold, excitement, or minor irritation.
Technical
Used in medicine (paresthesia) and audio engineering (a high-frequency ringing).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tingle”
- Using 'tingle' for severe pain (use 'throb', 'sting', 'ache').
- Confusing 'tingle' (verb/noun) with 'tingly' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-neutral. It can describe pleasant anticipation ('tingle of excitement'), neutral physical effects (cold), or unpleasant sensations (a sign of poor circulation).
'Tingle' is a light prickling. 'Itch' is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. 'Sting' is a sharper, more painful sensation, often from a bite or chemical.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'I felt a tingle on my neck.'
Yes, it's the adjective form (informal). E.g., 'a tingly sensation'.
A light, prickling, stinging sensation, often on the skin, like that caused by cold, excitement, or anticipation.
Tingle is usually neutral, common in both spoken and written english, slightly more informal. in register.
Tingle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪŋɡl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪŋɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “send a tingle down your spine”
- “make your toes tingle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tingle' like 'tingle bells' – a light, ringing, prickly feeling.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCITEMENT/ANTICIPATION IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (e.g., 'tingling with excitement').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'tingle' used metaphorically?