bang-bang

adjective

ˈbaŋ-ˌbaŋ 

1

a

: having a sudden, forceful, or attention-grabbing effect : punchy

bang-bang headlines

b

: executed or happening so quickly as to make judgment (as by an umpire or referee) difficult

a bang-bang play at first base

2

: characterized by violent or fast-paced action

a bang-bang movie

Synonyms of bang-bang

• violent
• ferocious
• furious
• fierce
• turbulent
• explosive
• rough

Examples of bang-bang in a Sentence

the film lacks compelling characters, but it has plenty of bang-bang action

Recent Examples on the Web

Home plate umpire and crew chief Doug Eddings issued the hooks after José Caballero was caught stealing second on a bang-bang, strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026

Plays at the plate are usually bang-bang plays. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

Mattingly called for a replay review on the bang-bang play. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 31 May 2026

The main attraction is the park, and proximity to the cutie bang-bang option of Piccoli-to-Go followed by Uncle Louie G’s for ices. — Katie McDonough, Curbed, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for bang-bang

• harangue
• orang
• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange