verb
jangle
JANG-guhl
verb
1
To make, or cause something to make, a harsh rattling or clanging sound.
"The keys jangled in his pocket as he walked."
"She jangled her bracelets to get the baby's attention."
noun
1
A harsh rattling or clanging sound.
"The jangle of the shop bell announced a new customer."
How to Use Jangle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA harsh, rattly clanking sound, like keys or coins knocking together — or making that sound.
Common mistake
In the phrase "jangled nerves," it means on edge or unsettled, not literally noisy.
Common pairings
jangle of keys
jangling nerves
jangle of coins
Word Forms
jangled past tense, jangles plural, jangles singular
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The keys _____ in his pocket as he walked.
Etymology
From Middle English janglen, "to chatter or argue noisily," from Old French jangler — originally about noisy talk before it settled on the sound of rattling metal.