# inkling

/ˈɪŋkɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inkling
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a very small amount of knowledge or a feeling about something. You use this when you have a guess or a slight idea about what might happen.

For teachers: a slight degree of knowledge or a feeling about something; a hint or suspicion. Often used in the phrase 'have an inkling of'.

## Examples

- I have a slight inkling that the meeting will be long.
- She had a strong inkling that something was wrong with the engine before the car even started.
- While the evidence was circumstantial, the detective had a strong inkling that the suspect was involved in the crime, prompting a more thorough investigation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.