tickle
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tickle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To touch someone lightly and repeatedly in a way that causes laughter, twitching, or discomfort.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tickle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English tiklen, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to "tick" (a light touch) plus the frequentative ending "-le", meaning "to touch lightly again and again."
Full origin of tickle →Frequently asked questions
What does “tickle” mean?
The word “tickle” means to touch someone lightly and repeatedly in a way that causes laughter, twitching, or discomfort. In plain terms, touching someone lightly to make them laugh or squirm, or more loosely, something that amuses or pleases you.
How do you pronounce “tickle”?
“Tickle” is pronounced TIHKL (/ˈtɪkl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “tickle” in a sentence?
Here is “tickle” used in a sentence: “She tickled the baby's feet until he burst out giggling.”
What is another word for “tickle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tickle” include kittle.
What part of speech is “tickle”?
Depending on how it is used, “tickle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “tickle” come from?
The word “tickle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tiklen, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to "tick" (a light touch) plus the frequentative ending "-le", meaning "to touch lightly again and again.".
Is “tickle” a common word?
“Tickle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tickle” have?
“Tickle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to touch someone lightly and repeatedly in a way that causes laughter, twitching, or discomfort.