gong

play

noun \ ˈgäŋ , ˈgȯŋ \

Definition of gong

1 :a disk-shaped percussion instrument that produces a resounding tone when struck with a usually padded hammer

2 a :a saucer-shaped bell (as in a fire alarm) that is struck by a mechanical hammer

b :a wire rod wound in a flat spiral for sounding the time or chime or alarm (as in a clock)

3 British :medal

—

gong

intransitive verb

See gong defined for English-language learners

See gong defined for kids

Examples of gong in a Sentence

They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.

Recent Examples of gong from the Web

The whole campaign for the mayor’s office and the two districts that are up for elections is gong to be about the library.

— j. harry jones, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Escondido elections already heating up," 26 Aug. 2017
The ethnic ensemble performs with a wide array of diverse ethnic instruments, such as gongs, woodwinds and graduated xylophones.

— billboard philippines, Billboard, "'Game of Thrones' Opening Theme Song Gets SE Asian Flavor by Kontra-GaPi," 28 July 2017
As in the past, there's a big gong on stage, allowing the judges to eliminate a contest with one swing of a mallet.

— mary colurso, AL.com, "Will a Birmingham act slay the competition tonight on ABC's 'Gong Show'?," 20 July 2017
In the absence of Thrones, several new shows have the opportunity to grab the top prize, and, possibly win the first ever Best Drama gong for a streaming show.

— daniel d’addario, Time, "The 5 Biggest Surprises of the 2017 Emmy Nominations," 13 July 2017
A gong just signaled the sale of another lower bowl season ticket package.

— james b. nelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "It's sticker shock vs. enhanced experience as Milwaukee Bucks pitch season ticket plans," 11 July 2017
Onstage were four timpani, a bass drum, snare drum, side drum, a large gong, cymbals, xylophone, castanets, vibraphone, glockenspiel, woodblock, whip-crack and triangle.

— special to the plain dealer, cleveland.com, "ChamberFest Cleveland leaves deep impression with Shostakovich in rare transcription (review)," 30 June 2017
A performer on each end sends it spinning, the sound of their hands pounding against the metal ringing like a gong, the air from the whirling beam fanning the audience.

— holly millea, Smithsonian, "Step Right Up! See the Reinvention of the Great American Circus!," 29 June 2017
From the host to the acts to the infamous gong signaling a bad act worthy of banishment, the revival is a constant exercise in trolling, leaving us unsure who's in on the joke and who's the butt of it.

— kelly lawler, USA TODAY, "Review: In 2017, the new 'Gong Show' feels like it's trolling," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gong.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of gong

Malay & Javanese, of imitative origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1590

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GONG Defined for English Language Learners

gong

play

noun

Definition of gong for English Language Learners

: a large metal disc that makes a deep ringing sound when it is struck with a padded hammer
: a medal or award

GONG Defined for Kids

gong

play

noun \ ˈgäŋ , ˈgȯŋ \

Definition of gong for Students

:a metallic disk that produces a harsh ringing tone when struck

Learn More about gong

See words that rhyme with gong Spanish Central: Translation of gong Nglish: Translation of gong for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gong

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