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. See wrangle
   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

Though virtually unprecedented in Britain, similar jangle pendants are common features of upper-class Bronze Age burials in Denmark and southern Scandinavia.

From Popular-Science

Therefore, they suggest, grit’s popularity might be the result of the jangle fallacy in which people believe that two things that are actually the same are different simply because they have different names.

From Nautilus

I have everywhere remarked that the Indians jangle and threaten a great deal, but that they never go beyond that.

From Project Gutenberg

The clocks of the city struck six in a solemn jangle of tones.

From Project Gutenberg

Tabret and viol jangle harshly in the ears that have rioted in melodies made by fairy harpers.

From Project Gutenberg

The keys seemed to jangle like thunder as I tried them one after the other on the drawer where I had seen him put away the gold.

From Project Gutenberg

The weather held good, and late that night the camp heard the jangle of bells as Mr. Starr drove over to the stables.

From Project Gutenberg