# tsk

CEFR C1 · Verb

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

## Definition

to make a short sound with your tongue to show that you are annoyed or think someone is doing something wrong. It is the sound people make when they are judging someone.

For teachers: to produce a dental click sound to express annoyance, disapproval, or impatience. Often used to signal a moral or social judgment of another person's behavior.

## Examples

- She looked at my messy room and began to tsk.
- The librarian would tsk at anyone who spoke louder than a whisper near the study desks.
- While he didn't say anything out loud, he continued to tsk and shake his head as he reviewed the poorly written report.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an intransitive verb, though it can also be used transitively to report speech.

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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.