verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

tickle

TIHKL

Tickle (verb) means to touch someone lightly and repeatedly in a way that causes laughter, twitching, or discomfort. Example: “She tickled the baby's feet until he burst out giggling.”

verb

To touch someone lightly and repeatedly in a way that causes laughter, twitching, or discomfort.

"She tickled the baby's feet until he burst out giggling."

"Don't tickle me, I can't stand it!"

To appeal to or amuse someone; to please or delight.

"The joke really tickled his sense of humour."

"It tickles me that he still remembers our old nickname."

noun

The act or sensation of being tickled.

"He felt a tickle at the back of his throat."

How to use tickle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTouching someone lightly to make them laugh or squirm, or more loosely, something that amuses or pleases you.

Common pairings

tickle someone's feet tickle your fancy a tickle in the throat

Word forms

more tickle comparative, more tickle comparative, tickled past tense, tickles plural, Tickles plural, tickles singular, most tickle superlative, most tickle superlative

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She _____ the baby's feet until he burst out giggling.

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."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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kittle

Related words

kittle

Rhymes for tickle

sickle pickle fickle trickle

See all rhymes for 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.

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