jangle

[ jang-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, jan·gled, jan·gling.

1. to produce a harsh, discordant sound, as two comparatively small, thin, or hollow pieces of metal hitting together:

   The charms on her bracelet jangle as she moves.

2. to speak angrily; wrangle.

verb (used with object)

, jan·gled, jan·gling.

1. to cause to make a harsh, discordant, usually metallic sound:

   He jangled the pots and pans.

2. to cause to become irritated or upset:

   The loud noise of the motors jangled his nerves.

noun

1. a harsh or discordant sound.
2. an argument, dispute, or quarrel.

jangle

/ ˈdʒæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to sound or cause to sound discordantly, harshly, or unpleasantly

   the telephone jangled

2. tr to produce a jarring effect on

   the accident jangled his nerves

3. an archaic word for wrangle

noun

1. a harsh, unpleasant ringing noise
2. an argument or quarrel

Derived Forms

• ˈjangler, noun

Other Words From

• jangler noun
• jangly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jangle¹

1250–1300; Middle English janglen < Old French jangler < Germanic; compare Middle Dutch jangelen to haggle, whine

Word History and Origins

Origin of jangle¹

C13: from Old French jangler, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch jangelen to whine, complain

Example Sentences

She recognized that there’s nothing more dramatic than human contradiction, the clash and jangle of self-image and public perception.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a big space,” he said in an interview, away from the jangle of slot machines and the smoke-laden casino floor.

From New York Times

Labour nerves still jangle over what went so terribly wrong in Iraq, even after all these years.

From BBC

There's a great film that was on Netflix two years ago by David E. Talbert and his wife Lynn Talbert, it was a musical: “Jingle Jangle.”

From Salon

No, there is no séance with the supernatural nor summoning of spirits, just a jangle of regrets.

From Seattle Times