Definition of tintinnabulationnext
as in rattle
a series of short high ringing sounds the merry tintinnabulation of church bells

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tintinnabulation Cloudy chords, meditative tintinnabulation, the whoosh of wind and rain, blocks of iridescent brass — all these discrete sonorities trundled by, like a train of boxcars with panoramas painted on their sides. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Shivaree, chthonian, erumpent, tintinnabulation, exonumia, requiescat, deipnosophist, omphaloskepsis, horripilation, deliquesce, apopemptic. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021 Two dozen billiard balls roll on tracks, striking a series of devices that set off a tintinnabulation of bells, chimes and metallic clinks. — Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2021 The delicate tintinnabulation of Adasiewicz’s vibes dovetailed with Reed’s telegraphic drum work, Reid’s amber cellos lines, Johnson’s silvery trumpet phrases and Heinemann’s warmly resonant bass. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 27 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tintinnabulation
Noun
  • His favorite technique was to take a fold-up chair in the woods, get in a blowdown, rattle antlers during the rut, and wait for a trophy buck to come along.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Her first hit item was a baby rattle shaped like a chicken drumstick that was sold wrapped in cellophane, much like a meat-counter purchase.
    — Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • An operation in Kenscoff In the mists of the steep hills that ring southern Port-au-Prince, CNN saw one Task Force operation where helicopters manned by foreign contractors assaulted gang positions, and drones detonated amid the clatter of gunfire.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The sets have too many doors, the scenes have a delirious number of extras and the actors yell their lines over the distracting clatter of crackling fireplaces, beeping machines and ticking clocks.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Periodically a mandolin tinkles, or maybe a fiddle swoops in as if from a low-hanging cloud.
    — Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Roberts doesn’t offer much empathy for the poor, diseased critter other than a pause when Ben momentarily ponders his reflection in a pool as Adrian Johnston’s eerie synth-piano score tinkles.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Each station has a distinct jingle to mark the start of its Mensajero Rural program, and LU20’s begins with a sunny piano melody.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Eventually, her friend—local musician and record producer Jay Oliver—noticed her talent and gave her a foot in the door by recording advertising jingles for the likes of McDonald’s and Toyota.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tintinnabulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tintinnabulation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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