# tactile

/ˈtækˌtaɪɫ/ (US) · /tˈæktaɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tactile
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. relating to touch

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

relating to the sense of touch.

For teachers: pertaining to the sense of touch or the perception of physical contact.

- The museum has a tactile exhibit where you can feel the different fabrics.
- The brain processes tactile information through the somatosensory cortex, allowing us to distinguish between various textures and temperatures.

### 2. tangible or physical

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- I prefer reading paper books because I like the tactile feeling of the pages.
- The architect selected materials with high tactile appeal, such as rough-hewn stone and polished timber, to create a sensory experience for visitors.

### 3. prone to touching people

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- He is a very tactile person and always gives his friends a big hug.
- Growing up in a tactile family meant that she was always comfortable with physical displays of affection, such as holding hands or frequent embraces.

## Examples

- The museum has a tactile exhibit for blind visitors.
- Children often learn better through tactile activities, such as playing with clay or building blocks, rather than just watching a screen.
- The designer chose a heavy, grained paper to give the wedding invitations a tactile quality that digital alternatives simply cannot replicate.

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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.