English Reference
adjective

tactile

adj.
US /ˈtækˌtaɪɫ/ UK /tˈæktaɪl/ tac·tile

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicTechnical

    relating to the sense of touch.

    pertaining to the sense of touch or the perception of physical contact.

    Simple

    The museum has a tactile exhibit where you can feel the different fabrics.

    In context

    The brain processes tactile information through the somatosensory cortex, allowing us to distinguish between various textures and temperatures.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    describes something that you can feel with your hands or that has a clear physical texture.

    perceptible by touch; having a physical presence or texture that is central to its function or appeal.

    Simple

    I prefer reading paper books because I like the tactile feeling of the pages.

    In context

    The architect selected materials with high tactile appeal, such as rough-hewn stone and polished timber, to create a sensory experience for visitors.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal

    describes a person who likes to touch other people, for example by hugging them or putting a hand on their arm.

    inclined to use physical contact as a primary means of communication or expression of affection.

    Simple

    He is a very tactile person and always gives his friends a big hug.

    In context

    Growing up in a tactile family meant that she was always comfortable with physical displays of affection, such as holding hands or frequent embraces.

You can feel the difference when holding the phone, and while it doesn’t affect usability, it’s a little strange from a tactile perspective.

Ars Technica· 19 Aug 2026

It’s a change Apple made in most of its laptops a decade or so ago, and the situation is similar here: it’s different , and it’s not quite as tactile as a “real” click.

Ars Technica· 27 Jul 2026

Borrowed from Middle French tactile, from Latin tactilis (“that may be touched, tangible”), from tangere (“to touch”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin tactilis
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated