Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
tinkety-tonk

tinkety-tonk

9.9
A light cheerful sound like small bells or a music box
  • noun
  • /ˈtɪŋkɪti tɒŋk/
translation icon : sonido alegre
  • The tinkety-tonk of the music box brought back childhood memories.

Examples

  • The old piano produced a charming tinkety-tonk that filled the room with energy.

  • Outside, the tinkety-tonk of bicycle bells could be heard on the busy street.

  • The music had a delightful tinkety-tonk sound.

  • Can you hear the tinkety-tonk of the piano?

  • The tinkety-tonk of the cheerful melody lifted everyone's spirits at the party.

  • As she played the tune on the piano, the tinkety-tonk sound filled the air with joy.

  • The tinkety-tonk of wind chimes created a peaceful atmosphere in the garden.

Synonyms

tinkle
vstinkety-tonk
12 4.4

A light clear ringing sound like a small bell

describes a light tuneful melody rather than one short bell sound
lilt
vstinkety-tonk
5 8.0

A light, cheerful rhythm in speech or music

emphasizes light melodic tune rather than rhythmic cadence
lively tune
vstinkety-tonk
1 2.5

A cheerful piece of music with a quick, happy beat

focuses on a light, cheerful melodic sound rather than a full musical piece
tintinnabulation
vstinkety-tonk
  • Archaic
9.9

A light ringing sound made by bells or wind chimes

refers to light, cheerful melody rather than chiefly bell sounds

How Tinkling

tinkle
12 4.4
tinkety-tonk
9.9
jingle
40 2.3
chime
23 1.7
peal
4 5.8

Surface Forms

tinkety-tonk singular
tinkety-tonks plural

Etymology

Tinkety-tonk is a playful twin of sounds made from tink (like tinkle, meaning 'small bell sound') and tonk (as in honky-tonk, meaning 'lively piano music'). So tinkety-tonk feels like a light, cheerful, tinkling tune and helps you imagine bright little bells and a bouncy piano together.