ping-pong

1 of 3

verb

ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ 

-ˌpȯŋ

ping-ponged; ping-ponging; ping-pongs

: shift, bounce

ping-pong

2 of 3

noun

: something resembling a game of table tennis

especially : a series of usually verbal exchanges between two parties

… a ping-pong of absurdist dialogue …

—Lawrence O'Toole

Ping-Pong

3 of 3

trademark

ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ 

-ˌpȯŋ

—used for table tennis

Examples of ping-pong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Teens dealing with the emotional ping-pong of friendship falling outs and reconciliations, will find this aspect of the plot especially relatable. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

There’s no ping-pong table and no card table, such as in recent years. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Combs knows all too well how fickle the general public can be, and how swiftly sympathy can ping-pong from one side to the other. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

The rest of the vast space is set up as an arcade, with room for ping-pong, foosball, and air hockey. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ping-pong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong

Kids Definition

Ping-Pong

trademark

ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ, 

-ˌpȯŋ

—used for table tennis