gong

noun

ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
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

Examples of gong in a Sentence

They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.
Recent Examples on the Web Classes begin with a gong, not a bell, at the Dr. Ambedkar School. Marc Loustau, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Sep. 2023 There are a golden figurine, flowers, incense, a gong, and a large book from which the senior monk reads and chants. Klara Glowczewska, Town & Country, 8 June 2023 Lionesses, cars, aliens, babes, gongs, dreams, god, love, strangers, the elves–everything all here in one rockin’ bitchin’ album. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 7 Apr. 2023 Early in his journey into watches, he was mesmerized by this complication but always hated how it was concealed on the reverse of the watch, which prevents you from enjoying the beautiful choreography of the gongs in tandem with the music. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2023 Adrienne Bawa pulled into the parking lot of the First Congregational Church of L.A., her seven-seater Volvo filled with fabric, gongs and lights. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023 In addition to meditation, yoga, and ayurvedic treatments, the programs include sound and gong baths for deep relaxation and energy clearing, as well as ayurvedic cooking classes and more. Maria Eilersen, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2023 Gone, too, were their instruments: drums, flutes, gongs, two varieties of zither, and a towering mouth organ with pipes like city spires. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 3 July 2023 At its core is a gong, the engine of the artist’s journey back to wellness. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 25 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gong.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Malay & Javanese, of imitative origin

First Known Use

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gong was circa 1590

Dictionary Entries Near gong

Cite this Entry

“Gong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gong. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

gong

noun
ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
1
: a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck
2
: a flat saucer-shaped bell

More from Merriam-Webster on gong

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