feeler

noun

feel·​er ˈfē-lər 

: one that feels: such as

a

: a tactile process (such as a tentacle) of an animal

b

: something (such as a proposal) ventured to ascertain the views of others

Examples of feeler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By the time a network sent feelers and a New York station made an offer, though, the Scillians' two older kids loved their schools and the twins were out of diapers, and the big city couldn't compete with fall colors and a 20-minute commute to work. —Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 16 Oct. 2024

From fun play-it-loud rock albums to introspective feelers, all are reflective of the time, all still remarkable now. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2024

By 2003, the Taliban had shifted their focus to taking territory, and once the Taliban offensives began in 2006, peace feelers fell away. —James Dobbins, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2015

Flirting, or putting out feelers, has to be a two-way street. —Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing feeler

• feeler gauge

Kids Definition

feeler

noun

feel·​er ˈfē-lər 

1

: one that feels

especially : a movable organ (as an antenna) of an animal that is usually an organ of touch

2

: a suggestion or remark made to find out the views of other people

Medical Definition

feeler

noun

feel·​er ˈfē-lər 

: one that feels

especially : a tactile process (as a tentacle) of an animal