Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

gong

noun \ ˈgäŋ , ˈgȯŋ \
|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

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

  1. They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.

Recent Examples of gong from the Web

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

GONG Defined for English Language Learners

gong

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

noun \ ˈgäŋ , ˈgȯŋ \

Definition of gong for Students

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

Learn More about gong

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up gong? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

amortize

play

to pay off by making regular payments

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

gong

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a-closeup-of-a-sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games