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
Northern cool is getting hotter with the launch of Laugarás Lagoon on Iceland’s Hvítá River (not one but two levels of geothermal bathing), and Hagastrand Spa in Stockholm (self-playing gong installations and an event sauna for storytelling rituals).
—
Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
The good ones, the ones with medals on the line, were met with what can only be described as an ominous beating gong.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
With the bang of a gong, over 30,000 elite and amateur runners take to the streets, competing in a marathon, half marathon and 5k.
—Aaron E Martinez, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The ceremonial procession will feature not only the elaborate lion costumes but also a large percussion team of drums, cymbals and gongs.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gong
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Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
The good ones, the ones with medals on the line, were met with what can only be described as an ominous beating gong.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
With the bang of a gong, over 30,000 elite and amateur runners take to the streets, competing in a marathon, half marathon and 5k.
—Aaron E Martinez, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The ceremonial procession will feature not only the elaborate lion costumes but also a large percussion team of drums, cymbals and gongs.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gong
Cite this Entry
“Gong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gong. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gong
noun
ˈgäŋ 
ˈgȯŋ
1
: a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck
2
: a flat saucer-shaped bell
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