rung

1 of 2

past participle of ring

rung

2 of 2

noun

ˈrəŋ 

1

a

: a rounded crosspiece between the legs of a chair

b

: one of the crosspieces of a ladder

2

Scotland : a heavy staff or cudgel

3

: a spoke of a wheel

4

: a level in a hierarchy

… rise a few rungs on the social scale …

—H. W. Van Loon

Synonyms of rung

Noun

• level
• position
• rank
• echelon
• ranking
• place
• standing

Examples of rung in a Sentence

Noun

He was on the bottom rung on the corporate ladder.

the top rung of society

the lowest rung of the pay scale

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some options are considered a great catch, boasting superior benefits, while those high in mercury or contaminants may fall to lower rungs—or should be avoided altogether. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

The top rung on Kardashev’s ladder takes us from the scale of solar systems to entire galaxies. —Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026

Bidders will vie for furniture and decor from Keaton’s residences, including a metal step ladder that comes pre-curated with one of the actor’s iconic top hats, among other decorations perched atop each rung. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026

However, a bell once rung cannot be unrung. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hrung crossbar; akin to Goth hrunga staff and perhaps to Old English hring ring — more at ring

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing rung

• get/have one's bell rung
• get one's bell rung
• have one's bell rung

Rhymes for rung

• bling
• bung
• clung
• dung
• flung
• fung
• hung
• lung
• slung
• sprung
• strung
• stung

Kids Definition

rung

1 of 2

past participle of ring entry 3

rung

2 of 2 noun

ˈrəŋ 

: a rounded part placed as a crosspiece between the legs of a chair

also : one of the crosspieces of a ladder

Medical Definition

rung

past part of ring