# tickled

/ˈtɪkəɫd/ (US) · /tˈɪkəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tickled
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

very happy or pleased about something. You use this when someone tells you a nice compliment or gives you good news.

For teachers: extremely pleased, amused, or gratified by a particular event or comment. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel'.

## Examples

- I was tickled to hear that you won the prize.
- She was absolutely tickled when her favorite author replied to her message on social media.
- The veteran actor was visibly tickled by the standing ovation, having expected a much more reserved reception from the younger audience members.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the infinitive 'to' or the prepositional phrase 'by' to indicate the source of pleasure.

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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.