gong

noun

ˈgäŋ 

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

Jaime Fennelly’s synth melds with Westerlund’s gong colors and Bowles’ banjo into a vivid and timeless totality. —Jesse Jarnow, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026

Seasonal add-ons include Friday evening sound baths conducted with gongs and rain sticks. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

The Japanese quartet take Ra’s skein of electronic noise as a starting point, wrapping it in a sizzling no wave funk beat, vocals that veer between incantatory and goofy, and bewitching mandalas of chimes and gongs. —Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026

From custom percussion rigs and tuned bells to waterphones, gongs, and even a 1920s trumpet from his father, Copeland has turned the space into a living laboratory of sound. —Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Malay & Javanese, of imitative origin

First Known Use

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gong

• bhang
• bong
• dong
• hmong
• jong
• mong
• pong
• prong
• rong
• song
• strong
• thong

Kids Definition

gong

noun

ˈgäŋ 

ˈgȯŋ

1

: a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck

2

: a flat saucer-shaped bell