IPA: /ˈtɪkəl/
KK: /ˈtɪkəl/
To feel a tingling sensation on the skin, often caused by light touch or movement.
When the feather touched her skin, she couldn't help but giggle because it tickled.
Past: tickled
Past Participle: tickled
A feeling of light touch that causes laughter or a reaction, often when someone touches a sensitive area of the body.
The tickle on my feet made me laugh uncontrollably.
To touch someone lightly in a way that makes them laugh or feel a tickling sensation.
She loves to tickle her little brother to make him laugh.
Past: tickled
Past Participle: tickled
Tickle originates from Middle English 'tiklen', which is of uncertain origin but may be related to the Old Norse 'tikka', meaning to touch or pat lightly. The word describes the action of lightly touching someone to produce a sensation of laughter or discomfort.
Imagine a light touch that makes you laugh — that's what tickling does, and it connects to the idea of a gentle pat or touch.