Tingle: meaning, definitions and examples

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tingle

[ˈtɪŋɡəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To experience a prickling or stinging sensation, often caused by excitement or anticipation.

Synonyms

prickle, shiver, sting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tingle	Use 'tingle' to describe a slight yet noticeable, sometimes uncomfortable, sensation on the skin, often due to excitement or nervousness. I felt a tingle in my fingers from the cold. There was a noticeable tingle of anticipation in the room before the announcement.
prickle	Use 'prickle' when describing a sharp, pin-like feeling, often caused by anxiety, fear, or physical irritation. My scalp started to prickle when I thought someone was watching me. The cold wind made my face prickle.
sting	Use 'sting' when describing a sharp, often painful sensation, usually caused by something physically irritating like a bee or a sharp remark. The cut on my hand began to sting when I applied the antiseptic. His harsh criticism stung deeply.
shiver	Use 'shiver' to describe an involuntary bodily reaction usually caused by cold, fear, or excitement. She felt a shiver run down her spine when she heard the eerie noise. I started to shiver in the cold night.

Examples of usage

The sound of the rain on the roof made her skin tingle with delight.
His touch sent a tingle down her spine.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sensation

A slight prickling or stinging sensation.

Synonyms

prickle, shiver, sting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tingle	Refers to a slight, pleasant sensation similar to the previous entry; often used in the context of emotions or reactions like excitement. Feeling him close made her heart tingle. The surprise news caused her nerves to tingle.
prickle	Fit for describing a sharp, poking sensation that can be mildly uncomfortable or annoying. Her skin began to prickle as she walked through the nettle patch. He felt a prickle of unease at the back of his neck.
sting	Refers to a sharp, sudden pain often caused by an insect or a minor injury; generally has a negative connotation. The bee's sting left a red bump on her arm. The soapy water made the cut on his finger sting.
shiver	Used when describing a quick, involuntary movement, often of the whole body, usually caused by cold, fear, or excitement. A shiver ran down his spine when he heard the eerie sound. She couldn't stop the shiver after stepping out of the warm bath.

Examples of usage

The tingle in her fingers told her the circulation was returning.
The cold water caused a tingle in his toes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word goes back to Middle English, derived from the word 'tinglen', which means to ring or tinkle.
It is related to a cluster of words referring to ringing sounds, connecting the physical sensation to auditory experiences.

Science

Tingling sensations can occur when nerves are compressed or irritated, often described as 'pins and needles'.
This feeling can be a result of blood flow changes, such as when your leg falls asleep after sitting for too long.

Psychology

Experiences such as ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) can trigger a pleasurable tingling sensation, often felt on the scalp and neck.
Tingles can also signify emotional responses, such as excitement, fear, or affection, indicating how interconnected our feelings and sensations are.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often experience tingling when they fall in love or encounter something magical, emphasizing the connection between emotions and physical sensations.
The phrase 'tingles' is commonly used in social media to describe feelings evoked by touching stories or videos.

Literature

Writers often use descriptions of tingling to convey characters' emotional responses, helping readers feel the intensity of experiences.
Classic poetry sometimes symbolizes tingling as a way to express love or longing, connecting physical and emotional experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "tingle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 formigamento

🇮🇳 झुनझुनी

🇩🇪 Kribbeln

🇮🇩 kesemutan

🇺🇦 поколювання

🇵🇱 mrowienie

🇯🇵 チクチクする

🇫🇷 picotement

🇪🇸 hormigueo

🇹🇷 karıncalanma

🇰🇷 따끔거림

🇸🇦 وخز

🇨🇿 mravenčení

🇸🇰 mravčenie

🇨🇳 刺痛

🇸🇮 mravljinčenje

🇮🇸 kitl

🇰🇿 шаншу

🇬🇪 ჩხვლეტა

🇦🇿 qarıncalanma

🇲🇽 hormigueo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,271, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23268 disdained
23269 beater
23270 maltose
23271 tingle
23272 flogged
23273 spurned
23274 despondent
...