kenong

noun

ke·​nong ˈke-ˌnȯŋ How to pronounce kenong (audio)
plural kenong or kenongs
: a Southeast Asian gong chime of definite pitch in which each individual gong is set with its open side down on ropes within a square boxlike resonator
In slow music it is often the practice to delay both the kenong and gong strokes until slightly after the beat.Neil Sorrell, A Guide to the Gamelan, 1990

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kenong was in 1877

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near kenong

Cite this Entry

“Kenong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kenong. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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