- [uncountable] the sense that enables you to be aware of things and what they are like when you put your hands and fingers on them
- the sense of touch
- by touch They had to identify various materials by touch.
Extra Examples- Sculpture potentially appeals to the sense of touch as well as sight.
- The bird depends largely on an extremely delicate sense of touch to find its prey.
- She has learnt to recognize the raised patterns of Braille by touch.
- [countable, usually singular] an act of putting your hand or another part of your body onto somebody/something
- The gentle touch of his hand on her shoulder made her jump.
- at the touch of somebody/something All this information is readily available at the touch of a button (= by simply pressing a button).
- at somebody's touch The door swung open at his touch.
- This type of engraving requires a delicate touch.
- She played the piano with a light touch.
- The slightest touch will set off the alarm.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- delicate
- gentle
- light
- …
- at somebody/something’s touch
- be cold, hot, soft, etc. to the touch
- [singular] the way that something feels when you put your hand or fingers on it or when it comes into contact with your body
- material with a smooth silky touch
- He could not bear the touch of clothing on his sunburnt skin.
- to the touch The body was cold to the touch.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- delicate
- gentle
- light
- …
- at somebody/something’s touch
- be cold, hot, soft, etc. to the touch
- [countable] a small detail that is added to something in order to improve it or make it complete
- Meeting them at the airport was a nice touch.
- Bright cushions add a decorative touch to a room.
Extra Examples- The family photos add a homely touch.
- The candles gave the table a romantic touch.
- The decor includes many idiosyncratic little touches.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- final
- finishing
- decorative
- …
- add
- give something
- put
- …
- [singular] a way or style of doing something
- She prefers to answer any fan mail herself for a more personal touch.
- Computer graphics will give your presentation the professional touch.
- He couldn't find his magic touch with the ball today (= he didn't play well).
- This meal is awful. I think I'm losing my touch (= my ability to do something).
Extra Examples- He found his old political touch when the crisis emerged.
- He must regain his shooting touch.
- She seemed to have a deft touch with comedy.
- With students she had a sure touch and showed great personal sensitivity.
- a politician who lacked the common touch
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- golden
- magic
- deft
- …
- have
- find
- lack
- …
- the common touch
- [countable, usually singular] touch of something a very small amount synonym trace
- There was a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
- There could be a touch of frost tonight.
Extra Examples- He has just the right touch of arrogance for the role.
- Her speech brought a welcome touch of frivolity to the evening.
- Give your garden a touch of class with a sundial as a focal point.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- little
- subtle
- welcome
- …
- add
- bring
- with a touch of
- touch of
- a touch[singular] slightly; a little
- The music was a touch too loud for my liking.
- [uncountable] the area outside the lines that mark the sides of the playing field
- into touch He kicked the ball into touch.
sense
with hand/part of body
way something feels
small detail
way of doing something
small amount
slightly
in football/rugby
Word OriginMiddle English: the verb from Old French tochier, probably from a Romance word of imitative origin; the noun originally from Old French touche, later (in certain senses) directly from the verb.
Idioms
See touch in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee touch in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishbe, become, etc. out of touch (with something)
- to not know or understand what is happening in a particular subject or area
- Unfortunately, the people making the decisions are out of touch with the real world.
- This government is increasingly out of touch with ordinary voters.
be, get, keep, stay, etc. in touch (with somebody)
- to communicate with somebody, especially by writing to them or phoning them
- Are you still in touch with your friends from college?
- Thanks for showing us your products—we'll be in touch.
- I'm trying to get in touch with Jane. Do you have her number?
- Let's keep in touch.
- I'll put you in touch with someone in your area.
- The security staff were in close touch with the local police.
be, keep, etc. in touch (with something)
- to know what is happening in a particular subject or area
- It is important to keep in touch with the latest research.
be out of touch (with somebody)
- to no longer communicate with somebody, so that you no longer know what is happening to them
- We’ve been out of touch for a couple of years.
the common touch
- the ability of a powerful or famous person to talk to and understand ordinary people
an easy/a soft touch
- (informal) a person that you can easily persuade to do something, especially to give you money
- Unfortunately, my father is no soft touch.
kick something into the long grass/into touch
- (British English) to reject something or treat it as not important; to stop dealing with a problem
- He tends to deal with disputes by kicking them into the long grass.
a light touch
- the ability to deal with something in a sensitive and relaxed way
- She handles this difficult subject with a light touch.
lose touch (with somebody/something)
- to no longer have any contact with somebody/something
- I've lost touch with all my old friends.
- to no longer understand something, especially how ordinary people feel
Check pronunciation:
touch