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jingle

The sound of metal or glass clattering against itself.

ˈd͡ʒɪŋɡl̩Current112 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
⚡ Tech, Dev & AI
3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

The sound of metal or glass clattering against itself.

He heard the jingle of her keys in the door and turned off the screen.
Origin: The verb, which is older than the noun, is from . ; compare jangle. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"jingle" means: The sound of metal or glass clattering against itself.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"jingle" means: The sound of metal or glass clattering against itself.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(broadcasting, advertising, music) A memorable short song, or in some cases a snippet of a popular song with its lyrics modified, used for the purposes of advertising a product or service in a TV or radio commercial.

That used-car dealership's jingle has been stuck in my head since we heard that song.
Heard in the wild
  • “My belt’s attack jingle is the badger song and I need to push a lever up and down for 30 seconds while it plays so just stand still for a bit”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Why did I hear the “Lowered Expectations” fake jingle in my head immediately”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Different country and different vibes, but the same jingle 😂”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Everytime we are on a road trip, and pass the Diamond Jo Casino, my kids sing the Gargle Family Casino jingle.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Look Carnival Cruises made a jingle out of Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” (1977), the collapse of album sales and rise of licensing just incentivizes artists to do more of this these days”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(music) A small piece of metal attached to a musical instrument, such as a tambourine, so as to make a jangling sound when the instrument is played.

Her tambourine didn't come with any jingles attached.
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For specific readers

"jingle" means: The sound of metal or glass clattering against itself.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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