touching

American  

[tuhch-ing] / ˈtʌtʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. affecting; moving; pathetic.

   a touching scene of farewell.

   Synonyms:

   piteous, poignant, stirring

2. that touches.

   Synonyms:

   tangent

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preposition

1. in reference or relation to; concerning; about.

   He wrote touching future plans.

touching British  

/ ˈtʌtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. evoking or eliciting tender feelings

   your sympathy is touching

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preposition

1. on the subject of; relating to

Other Word Forms

• touchingly adverb
• touchingness noun
• untouching adjective

Etymology

Origin of touching

First recorded in 1250–1300; touch + -ing ²

Example Sentences

They communicate by touching each other with their trunks, smelling each other and vocalizing.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the end of that week in February when they decided they didn’t hate each other after all until she left for Winnipeg, Cameron Sound pretty much hadn’t stopped touching her.

From Literature

“She Knows Too Much” has a touching cameo from his late friend and frequent collaborator Mac Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

As the first months passed, and their audience widened and sent glowing feedback, they began to realize they were having a big impact and touching lives.

From Los Angeles Times

Trimming the wine budget is one thing; touching the office snacks, like bananas or Kind bars, can be a no-go.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• heartbreaking
• pathetic
• poignant
• sad
• stirring
• stunning
• wistful