# tink

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tink
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to make a light, sharp sound like metal hitting glass. You use this when describing a small, clear noise.

For teachers: to produce a light, sharp, metallic or glass-like sound. Often used to describe the sound of small objects colliding or liquid hitting a hard surface.

## Examples

- The ice cubes tink against the side of the glass.
- Small pebbles tink against the metal roof as the wind picks up speed during the storm.
- The delicate crystal ornaments tink softly in the breeze, creating a fragile melody that fills the quiet room.

## Usage notes

- Often used intransitively to describe the sound itself, but can be used transitively to describe the action of making the sound.

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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.