Definition of ring
1 : a circular band for holding, connecting, hanging, pulling, packing, or sealing a key ring a towel ring
2 : a circlet usually of precious metal worn especially on the finger
3a : a circular line, figure, or object smoke ringb : an encircling arrangement a ring of suburbsc : a circular or spiral course —often used figuratively in plural in the phrase run rings around to describe surpassing an opponent decisively
4a (1) : an often circular space especially for exhibitions or competitions; especially : such a space at a circus (2) : a structure containing such a ringb : a square enclosure in which a fighting contest (such as a boxing or wrestling match) takes place
5 : a band of small objects revolving around a planet (such as Saturn) and composed of dust and icy or rocky fragments
6 : annual ring
7a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market) a wheat ringb : gang
8 : the field of a political contest : race
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of ring
Middle English, from Old English hring; akin to Old High German hring ring, Old Church Slavonic krǫgŭ circle
First Known Use: before 12th century
ring
Definition of ring
ringed
;ringing
play \ˈriŋ-iŋ\transitive verb
1 : to provide with a ring
2 : to place or form a ring around : encircle police ringed the building
3 : girdle 2
4 : to throw a ringer over (the peg) in a game (such as horseshoes or quoits)
intransitive verb
1a : to move in a ringb : to rise in the air spirally
2 : to form or take the shape of a ring
15th Century
First Known Use of ring
15th century
ring
Definition of ring
rang
play \ˈraŋ\;rung
play \ˈrəŋ\;ringing
play \ˈriŋ-iŋ\intransitive verb
1 : to sound resonantly or sonorously the doorbell rang cheers rang out
2a : to be filled with a reverberating sound : resound the halls rang with laughterb : to have the sensation of being filled with a humming sound his ears rang
3 : to cause something to ring ring for the butler
4a : to be filled with talk or report the whole land rang with her fameb : to have great renownc : to sound repetitiously their praise rang in his ears
5 : to have a sound or character expressive of some quality a story that rings true
6 chiefly British : to make a telephone call —usually used with up
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sound especially by striking
2 : to make (a sound) by or as if by ringing a bell
ring a bell
ring down the curtain
ring off the hook
ring the changes
orring changes
ring up the curtain
Origin and Etymology of ring
Middle English, from Old English hringan; akin to Old Norse hringja to ring
First Known Use: before 12th century
ring
Definition of ring
1 : a set of bells
2 : a clear resonant sound made by or resembling that made by vibrating metal
3 : resonant tone : sonority
4 : a loud sound continued, repeated, or reverberated
5 : a sound or character expressive of some particular quality the story had a familiar ring
6a : the act or an instance of ringingb : a telephone call
1549
First Known Use of ring
1549
RING Defined for Kids
Definition of ring for Students
1 : a circular band used for holding, fastening, or connecting a key ring
2 : a circular band usually of precious metal worn especially on the finger as jewelry
3 : something circular in shape a smoke ring
4 : an often circular space for shows or contests a circus ring
5 : a group of people who work together for dishonest purposes
6 : annual ring
ringed
\ˈriŋd\ adjectiveDefinition of ring for Students
ringed
;ringing
: to place or form a ring around Tall trees ring the meadow.
Definition of ring for Students
rang
\ˈraŋ\;rung
\ˈrəŋ\;ringing
1 : to make or cause to make a clear vibrating sound The bell rang. Ring the bell.
2 : to announce by or as if by striking a bell We'll ring in the new year.
3 : to sound loudly Cheers rang out.
4 : to fill or be filled with the sound of something The hall rang with laughter.
5 : to be filled with a humming sound His ears were ringing.
6 : to seem to be a certain way Their story rings true.
7 : to call for especially by ringing a bell I rang for the servants.
Definition of ring for Students
1 : a clear sound made by or as if by vibrating metal the ring of a bell a telephone's ring
2 : a continuous or repeating loud sound
3 : something that suggests a certain quality Their story had the ring of truth.
4 : a telephone call Give me a ring later.
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about ring
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ring Spanish Central: Translation of ring Nglish: Translation of ring for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ring for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ring
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