First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1jangle
verb jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\
: to make a harsh ringing sound
: to cause (something) to make a harsh ringing sound
jan·gledjan·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of JANGLE
intransitive verb
1
: to talk idly
2
: to quarrel verbally
3
: to make a harsh or discordant often ringing sound <keys jangling in my pocket>
transitive verb
1
: to utter or sound in a discordant, babbling, or chattering way
2
a : to cause to sound harshly or inharmoniously b : to excite to tense irritation <jangled nerves>
— jan·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun
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See jangle defined for kids
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Origin of JANGLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French jangler, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch jangelen to grumble
2jangle
noun
Definition of JANGLE
1
: idle talk
2
: noisy quarreling
3
: a discordant often ringing sound <the jangle of spurs>
First Known Use of JANGLE
14th century
Related to JANGLE
- Synonyms
- backchat, cackle, causerie, chatter, chin music, chin-wag [slang], chitchat, confab, confabulation, gab, gabfest, gossip, chat, jaw, natter [chiefly British], palaver, patter, rap, schmooze, small talk, table talk, talk, tête-à-tête
JANGLE Defined for Kids
1jangle
verb jan·gle \ˈjaŋ-gəl\
jan·gledjan·gling
Definition of JANGLE for Kids
: to make or cause to make a sound like the harsh ringing of a bell <He jangled his keys.>
Headscratcher for JANGLE
Jangle and jingle are close in spelling, and in meaning, too. To jangle is to make a harsh ringing sound, while to jingle is to make a light ringing sound.
2jangle
noun
Definition of JANGLE for Kids
: a harsh often ringing sound
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