# ticklish

/ˈtɪkəɫɪʃ/ (US) · /tˈɪklɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ticklish
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

easy to laugh or squirm when someone touches you lightly. You say this about feet, sides, or necks that feel tickly very fast.

For teachers: sensitive to light touch that causes laughter, squirming, or reflex movement. Also describes issues, questions, or people needing careful handling to avoid offence or trouble.

## Examples

- My little brother is very ticklish on his feet.
- The child giggles during checkups because her sides are so ticklish.
- He remained ticklish about criticism of his early work, steering every interview away from that difficult first novel.

## Usage notes

- Often follows 'be' or 'feel'; attributive use is common for the delicate sense ('a ticklish question').

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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.