What does "touch" mean?
An act of touching, especially with the hand or finger.
Touch
/tʌt͡ʃ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Top 500 ·Elementary level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of touching, especially with the hand or finger.
- Grammar: touch is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: contact, feeling, ability, abut.
- Useful contrasts: untouched, avoid, banality.
- Usage evidence: You can get in touch with him at his home tonight.
How to use "touch"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "touch" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "touch" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "touch" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "touch" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "touch" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "contact" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "touch", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of touching, especially with the hand or finger. countable, uncountable
"Suddenly, in the crowd, I felt a touch at my shoulder."
- 2 the act of putting two things together with no space between them wordnet
- 3 The faculty or sense of perception by physical contact. countable, uncountable
"With the lights out, she had to rely on touch to find her desk."
- 4 a distinguishing style wordnet
- 5 The style or technique with which one plays a musical instrument. countable, uncountable
"He performed one of Ravel's piano concertos with a wonderfully light and playful touch."
Show 32 more definitions
- 6 the feel of mechanical action wordnet
- 7 The particular or characteristic mode of action, or the resistance of the keys of an instrument to the fingers. countable, uncountable
"a heavy touch, or a light touch"
- 8 deftness in handling matters wordnet
- 9 A distinguishing feature or characteristic. countable, uncountable
"Clever touches like this are what make her such a brilliant writer."
- 10 the faculty by which external objects or forces are perceived through contact with the body (especially the hands) wordnet
- 11 A little bit; a small amount. countable, uncountable
"Move it left just a touch and it will be perfect."
- 12 the sensation produced by pressure receptors in the skin wordnet
- 13 The part of a sports field beyond the touchlines or goal-lines. countable, uncountable
"He got the ball, and kicked it straight out into touch."
- 14 a suggestion of some quality wordnet
- 15 A relationship of close communication or understanding. uncountable
"He promised to keep in touch while he was away."
- 16 the act of soliciting money (as a gift or loan) wordnet
- 17 The ability to perform a task well; aptitude. countable, uncountable
"I used to be a great chess player but I've lost my touch."
- 18 a communicative interaction wordnet
- 19 Act or power of exciting emotion. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Not alone / The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, / Do strongly speak to us."
- 20 the event of something coming in contact with the body wordnet
- 21 An emotion or affection. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"a true, natural, and a sensible touch of mercy"
- 22 a slight but appreciable amount wordnet
- 23 Personal reference or application. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Speech of touch toward others should be sparingly used."
- 24 a slight attack of illness wordnet
- 25 A single stroke on a drawing or a picture. countable, uncountable
"Never give the least touch with your pencil till you have well examined your design."
- 26 A brief essay. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Print my preface in such form as, in the booksellers' phrase, will make a sixpenny touch."
- 27 A touchstone; hence, stone of the sort used for touchstone. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Now do I play the touch."
- 28 Examination or trial by some decisive standard; test; proof; tried quality. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"equity, the true touch of all laws"
- 29 The broadest part of a plank worked top and but, or of one worked anchor-stock fashion (that is, tapered from the middle to both ends); also, the angles of the stern timbers at the counters. countable, uncountable
"Set off the exact Length forward and aftward from the Observation of the rising of the Keel, by Shipwrights called the Touch, or Place where the Keel's upper Part ends to be streight."
- 30 The children's game of tag. countable, uncountable
- 31 A set of changes less than the total possible on seven bells, i.e. less than 5,040. countable, uncountable
- 32 An act of borrowing or stealing something; a request for money. countable, slang, uncountable
"But towards evening I got a touch at a cove's suck, and eased him of twenty-two quids and a lil, which I took in the usual manner, when he was entering the inn door."
- 33 The extent to which a person is interested or affected; the amount of outlay on something. countable, slang, uncountable
"Such was Tim Whiffle on the Sunday, with the addition of a cane to indicate riding, it is true he had long had a penchant to a pair of spurs but did not as yet sport them, although a half crown touch at some livery stables was positively decided upon in his own mind, though hitherto the dread of a fall from a horse had prevented the execution of his magnanimous plan."
- 34 Tallow. UK, countable, dated, uncountable
- 35 Form; standard of performance. countable, uncountable
"2019 In the mix: Who's pushing for selection for round seven? Australian Football League, 30 April 2019. Accessed 6 May 2019. Jackson Hately, Isaac Cumming and Nick Shipley have been in great touch in the NEAFL."
- 36 A disposal of the ball during a game, i.e. a kick or a handball. countable, uncountable
"2019 In the mix: Who's pushing for selection for round seven? Australian Football League, 30 April 2019. Accessed 6 May 2019. With just six touches, small forward Daniel Rioli was uncharacteristically quiet against Melbourne, although he did lay five tackles."
- 37 touch football (a variant of rugby league that does not involve tackling) Australia, countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 Primarily physical senses.; To make physical contact with; to bring the hand, finger or other part of the body into contact with. transitive
"I touched his face softly."
- 2 have an effect upon wordnet
- 3 Primarily physical senses.; To come into (involuntary) contact with; to meet or intersect. transitive
"Sitting on the bench, the hem of her skirt touched the ground."
- 4 color lightly wordnet
- 5 Primarily physical senses.; To come into physical contact, or to be in physical contact. intransitive
"They stood next to each other, their shoulders touching."
Show 45 more definitions
- 6 comprehend wordnet
- 7 Primarily physical senses.; To make physical contact with a thing. intransitive
"Please can I have a look, if I promise not to touch?"
- 8 make a more or less disguised reference to wordnet
- 9 Primarily physical senses.; To physically disturb; to interfere with, molest, or attempt to harm through contact. transitive
"If you touch her, I'll kill you."
- 10 consume wordnet
- 11 Primarily physical senses.; To make intimate physical contact with a person. transitive
"The man was arrested for touching a girl without her consent."
- 12 be in direct physical contact with; make contact wordnet
- 13 Primarily physical senses.; To sexually excite with the fingers; to finger or masturbate. reflexive, transitive
"Her parents had caught her touching herself when she was fifteen."
- 14 make physical contact with, come in contact with wordnet
- 15 Primarily physical senses.; To have sexual intercourse with
"Tell me the truth, did you touch her?"
- 16 cause to be in brief contact with wordnet
- 17 Primarily physical senses.; To cause to be briefly in physical contact with something. transitive
"He quickly touched his knee to the worn marble."
- 18 tamper with wordnet
- 19 Primarily physical senses.; To physically affect in specific ways implied by context. transitive
"Frankly, this wood's so strong that sandpaper won't touch it."
- 20 affect emotionally wordnet
- 21 Primarily physical senses.; To begin to consume, or otherwise use. transitive
"Are you all right? You've hardly touched your lunch."
- 22 perceive via the tactile sense wordnet
- 23 Primarily physical senses.; Of a ship or its passengers: to land, to make a short stop (at). intransitive
"Now a certain grand merchant ship once touched at Rokovoko, and its commander — from all accounts, a very stately punctilious gentleman, at least for a sea captain — this commander was invited to the wedding feast of Queequeg's sister, a pretty young princess just turned of ten."
- 24 deal with; usually used with a form of negation wordnet
- 25 Primarily physical senses.; To lay hands on (someone suffering from scrofula) as a form of cure, as formerly practised by English and French monarchs. historical, transitive
"But in fact the English kings of the seventeenth century usually began to touch form the day of their accession, without waiting for any such consecration."
- 26 be equal to in quality or ability wordnet
- 27 Primarily physical senses.; To fasten; to take effect; to make impression. intransitive, obsolete
"Strong waters pierce metals, and will touch upon gold, that will not touch upon silver."
- 28 be relevant to wordnet
- 29 Primarily physical senses.; To bring (a sail) so close to the wind that its weather leech shakes.
- 30 to extend as far as wordnet
- 31 Primarily physical senses.; To be brought, as a sail, so close to the wind that its weather leech shakes. intransitive
- 32 Primarily physical senses.; To keep the ship as near (the wind) as possible.
"to touch the wind"
- 33 Primarily non-physical senses.; To imbue or endow with a specific quality. transitive
"My grandfather, as many people know, was touched with greatness."
- 34 Primarily non-physical senses.; To deal with in speech or writing; to mention briefly, to allude to. archaic, transitive
"Next to sorrow still I may annex such accidents as procure fear; for besides those terrors which I have before touched, […] there is a superstitious fear […] which much trouble many of us."
- 35 Primarily non-physical senses.; To deal with in speech or writing; briefly to speak or write (on or upon something). intransitive
"'Well, but since we have touched upon this business, and for the last time I hope,' continued the doctor, 'there is one point I should like you to understand.[…]'"
- 36 Primarily non-physical senses.; To concern, to have to do with. transitive
"Men of Israhell take hede to youreselves what ye entende to do as touchinge these men."
- 37 Primarily non-physical senses.; To affect emotionally; to bring about tender or painful feelings in. transitive
"If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her patent to offend, for if it touch not you, it comes near nobody."
- 38 Primarily non-physical senses.; To affect in a negative way, especially only slightly. dated, transitive
"He had been drinking over lunch, and was clearly touched."
- 39 Primarily non-physical senses.; To give royal assent to by touching it with the sceptre. Scottish, transitive
"The bill was finally touched after many hours of deliberation."
- 40 Primarily non-physical senses.; To obtain money from, usually by borrowing (from a friend). slang, transitive
"I was running short, so I touched old Bertie for a fiver."
- 41 Primarily non-physical senses.; To disturb the mental functions of; to make somewhat insane; often followed with "in the head". transitive
"You must be touched if you think I'm taking your advice."
- 42 Primarily non-physical senses.; To be on the level of; to approach in excellence or quality. transitive
"There was his mistress, Maria Morano. I don't think I've ever seen anything to touch her, and when you work for the screen [as I do] you're apt to have a pretty exacting standard of female beauty."
- 43 Primarily non-physical senses.; To come close to; to approach. transitive
"On Sunday afternoon it was as dark as night, with barely room for two riders abreast on a gradient that touches 20%."
- 44 Primarily non-physical senses.; To mark (a file or document) as having been modified. transitive
- 45 To try; to prove, as with a touchstone.
"I mean to touch your love indeed."
- 46 To mark or delineate with touches; to add a slight stroke to with the pencil or brush.
"The lines, though touched but faintly, are drawn right."
- 47 To infect; to affect slightly. obsolete
"Hee was touched with great Remorse"
- 48 To strike; to manipulate; to play on.
"to touch an instrument of music"
- 49 To perform, as a tune; to play.
"A person in the royal retinue touched a light and lively air on the flageolet."
- 50 To influence by impulse; to impel forcibly.
"No decree of mine,[…][to] touch with lightest moment of impulse his free will."
Example
"You can get in touch with him at his home tonight."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "touch"?
Common synonyms include: contact, feeling, ability, abut, abuts, abutted.
How do you use "touch" in a sentence?
You can get in touch with him at his home tonight.
How do you pronounce "touch"?
Pronounced /tʌt͡ʃ/.
Etymology
From Middle English touchen, tochen, from Old French tochier (“to touch”) (whence Modern French toucher; compare French doublet toquer (“to offend, bother, harass”)), from Vulgar Latin *tuccō (“to knock, strike, offend”), from Frankish *tukkōn (“to knock, strike, touch”), from Proto-Germanic *tukkōną (“to tug, grab, grasp”), from Proto-Indo-European *dewk- (“to draw, pull, lead”). Largely displaced native Middle English rinen, from Old English hrīnan (whence Modern English rine). Doublet of tuck. Cognates Cognate with Old High German zochhōn, zuhhōn (“to grasp, take, seize, snatch”) (whence German zucken (“to jerk, flinch”)), German Low German tucken, tocken (“to fidget, twitch, pull up, entice, throb, knock, repeatedly tap”), Middle Dutch tocken, tucken (“to touch, entice”) (whence Dutch tokkelen (“to strum, pluck”)), Old English tucian, tūcian (“to disturb, mistreat”) (whence Modern English tuck). Compare also Old High German tokkōn, tockōn (“to abut, collide”). Outside Germanic, cognate to Albanian cek (“to touch”), Old Church Slavonic тъкнѫти (tŭknǫti). More at tuck, take.