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
1
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!"
2
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
1
The act or sensation of being tickled.
"He felt a tickle at the back of his throat."
How to use tickle
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- tickles
- Third person singular
- tickles
- Past tense
- tickled
- Comparative
- more tickle
- Superlative
- most tickle
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tickle
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.
