What does tingle mean?
Tingle is a word for a brief, noticeable sensation that can be physical, emotional, or both. In its literal sense, it means to feel a slight pricking, stinging, or sparkling feeling, often in the skin, as though caused by cold, mild electric shock, or heightened awareness. Figuratively, it describes a sudden feeling of excitement, pleasure, or anticipation: a story may make someone tingle, or a person may experience a tingle of nervous delight. The word is especially useful because it captures an intensity that is less substantial than a full emotion but more noticeable than ordinary calm. Expressions such as “tingle all over” convey a strong, often pleasant emotional response. Tingle can also refer to the sensation itself, as in “a tingle of excitement.” It is used naturally in both British and American English and is common in conversation, journalism, and literary description.
To feel a slight pricking or sparkling sensation, especially in the skin; to experience a feeling of excitement or anticipation.
"The anticipation of the concert made her whole body tingle."
The emotional use is common and usually positive, though it can describe nervous excitement as well as pleasure.
A tingling or prickling sensation, or a feeling of excitement or anticipation.
"He felt a tingle of excitement when he saw his name on the list."
The noun is often used with “of,” as in “a tingle of excitement,” and can refer to either a bodily sensation or an emotional feeling.
The plural is used for separate or successive sensations, especially in expressions such as “tingles down the spine.”
"A series of tingles ran down her arms at the first note of the music."
From the chill on your fingertips to the thrill before a big moment, tingle names that brief electric feeling that seems to run through the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tingle come from?
Tingle belongs to a family of English words associated with tink, tinkle, and a light metallic sound. Its precise origin is not entirely clear, but the word developed through the idea of a slight sensory impression that resembles a delicate tinkling or prickling feeling. Over time, the physical sense was extended figuratively to describe the sudden emotional excitement or anticipation that can produce a similar bodily sensation.
Related word forms
How tingle is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. In its physical sense it can describe a mild pricking sensation, while in its figurative sense it usually suggests excitement, pleasure, anticipation, or a vivid emotional response. In British and American usage, “a tingle all over” is a familiar expression for an intense feeling of excitement or pleasure.
Easily confused with tingle
A tinkle is a light metallic ringing sound, whereas a tingle is a pricking sensation in the body or a feeling of excitement.
A tangle is a complicated arrangement or entanglement, while a tingle is a physical or emotional sensation.