ring

¹ring

noun \ˈriŋ\

Definition of RING

1

: a circular band for holding, connecting, hanging, pulling, packing, or sealing <a key ring> <a towel ring>

2

: a circlet usually of precious metal worn especially on the finger

3

a : a circular line, figure, or object <smoke ring> b : an encircling arrangement <a ring of suburbs> c : a circular or spiral course —often used figuratively in plural in the phrase run rings around to describe surpassing an opponent decisively

4

a (1) : an often circular space especially for exhibitions or competitions; especially : such a space at a circus (2) : a structure containing such a ring b : a square enclosure in which a fighting contest (as a boxing or wrestling match) takes place

5

: a band of small objects revolving around a planet (as Saturn) and composed of dust and icy or rocky fragments

6

: annual ring

7

a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market) <a wheat ring> b : gang

8

: the field of a political contest : race

9

: food in the shape of a circle

10

: an arrangement of atoms represented in formulas or models in a cyclic manner —called also cycle

11

: a set of mathematical elements that is closed under two binary operations of which the first forms a commutative group with the set and the second is associative over the set and is distributive with respect to the first operation

12

plural a : a pair of usually rubber-covered metal rings suspended from a ceiling or crossbar to a height of approximately eight feet above the floor and used for hanging, swinging, and balancing feats in gymnastics b : an event in gymnastics competition in which the rings are used

13

: ¹boxing <ended his ring career>

— ring·like \ˈriŋ-līk\ adjective

Origin of RING

Middle English, from Old English hring; akin to Old High German hring ring, Old Church Slavic krǫgŭ circle

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste