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

Explanation

Something that is touching affects you emotionally—it makes you feel sad or tender. A touching video about baby hedgehogs might even make your stoic older sister cry. The adjective touching comes from a particular meaning of the verb touch, "to affect or move mentally or emotionally," from the idea that something has "touched" your mind or heart. Your book report might describe the story you read as touching if it left you wiping away a tear.

Example Sentences

With a space-based broadband network, Amazon Web Services customers can move data without ever touching a public internet.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

And there was a touching exchange with Faldo after the presentation of the jacket on Sunday evening.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In the days since the accusation became public, other women have come forward with allegations of misconduct, including claims of unwanted touching and inappropriate behavior, according to CNN and other outlets.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

For the tale of an emotional affair touching on issues of mental health, a first-time filmmaker gives Peet what could be the meatiest role of her career.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

And even though it was the same lining up and not touching and not talking and waiting my turn as always, it was better with Mama there.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

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