t͡ʃɪŋk dʒeɪl dʒeɪl ˈpoʊ.ki ˈtɪŋkəl make or emit a high sound tinkling bells make a high sound typical of glass champagne glasses clinked to make a toast a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence) a short light metallic sound