WordGarden.iotouch
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈʌtʃ/
US
- /ˈtətʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to make physical contact with or handle something
to affect someone emotionally
Noun
physical contact or the bodily sense that feels surfaces
a small amount or slight degree of something
a small extra detail that improves or personalizes something
More meaningsFewer meanings
skill or control in handling a ball, shot, or similar play
Beyond the definition
To touch is not just about fingertips meeting skin. At its most basic, it means making physical contact with someone or something. We use it when we feel texture, temperature, or pain, but the word also goes beyond the physical. A kind gesture can touch someone deeply, meaning it moves them emotionally. A story might touch your heart, or a difficult situation might touch upon a sensitive subject.
Think about how we use it: you touch a hot stove and quickly pull away; you touch base with a friend to check in; a talented musician can truly touch an audience with a performance. Physical contact can also show connection, comfort, or care. Sometimes, even the absence of touch is meaningful, such as when someone keeps their distance on purpose.
The word "touch" has a fascinating range of meanings, stemming from its most basic definition: physical contact between two surfaces. We touch objects to understand them—the smoothness of silk versus the roughness of bark. This sensory experience is crucial for how we interact with the world: "She lightly touched his arm in greeting."
However, "touch" extends far beyond the purely physical. It can mean to make contact with a subject or issue: "The report touches upon the problem of climate change." Or it can describe a profound effect on someone's emotions—to say "that movie really touched me" implies it moved you to your core. A song might touch your soul, and a heartfelt letter can touch a reader's heart in ways words alone cannot.
We also use "touch" in various idiomatic expressions: to touch base means to reconnect with someone briefly; to be out of touch suggests being unaware of current realities; and to touch wood is a common superstition used to ward off bad luck.
Historically, the act of touching was even central to medical practice—doctors would "touch" a patient's pulse or skin to assess their health long before modern imaging existed. This highlights the deep, ancient connection between physical contact and our understanding of well-being. Whether it is the gentle brush of a feather, a profound emotional impact, or simply acknowledging a topic, "touch" is a word that speaks to our senses, our feelings, and our essential connections with the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Wet paint
Be careful not to touch the wet paint.
- 2
Getting attention
She touched his arm to get his attention.
- 3
Food refusal
I was so tired that I didn’t touch my dinner.
- 4
Physical contact
The curtains are too long and touch the floor.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotional reaction
Her story really touched me.
- 6
Meeting discussion
We only had time to touch on the budget at the end of the meeting.
- Patterntouch on + topic
mention it briefly
- 7
Contact later
I’ll get in touch when I arrive.
- 8
Ongoing contact
Even after college, we stayed in touch.
- 9
Customer awareness
The manager is out of touch with what younger customers want.
- Patternout of touch with + group/topic
not aware of or not understanding it
- 10
Small amount
Add a touch of lemon juice before serving.
- Phrasea touch of
a small amount of
- 11
Personal detail
The handmade cards gave the wedding a personal touch.
- Phrasea personal touch
a small detail that feels individual and thoughtful
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- touchnounverb
Forms
- touchedpast tenseverbnoun
- touching-ing formverbnoun
- touchespluralnounverb