bangs; banged; banging
1
a
: to cause or allow (something, such as part of your body) to hit something in a way that makes a loud noise
He accidentally banged his knee against the door.
He banged [=bumped, struck] his head getting out of the car.
She fell and banged her elbow.
She banged her fist on the table.
He banged his empty glass on the counter.
b
: to hit (something or someone) in a way that makes a loud noise
His knee accidentally banged the door.
The chair fell over and banged the wall.
—usually + into or againstHis knee accidentally banged into the door.
I thought the door was open and banged [=bumped] right into it.
The bird banged into/against the window.
One of the other players banged into her, knocking her to the ground.
2
: to use your hand or a tool to beat or hit (something) in a way that makes a loud noise
He banged the drum.
She banged the table with her fist.
—+ onHe banged on the drum.
She banged on the table.
Who is banging [=pounding] on the door?
3
: to make a sudden loud noise
I could hear the screen door bang [=slam] as he left.
The window suddenly banged shut.
The pipes banged as the heat came on.
4
informal + offensive
: to have sex with (someone)
plural bangs
1
a
: a sudden loud noise
I heard a loud bang.
The door slammed shut with a bang.
b
—used as an interjection to imitate a loud noise (such as the sound of a gun being fired)
"Bang, bang! You're dead."
Note: In British English the informal phrase bang goes is used when you are saying that something you wanted or planned has become impossible.
2
: a hard hit or blow
She got a nasty bang [=bump] on her head.
British, informal
: exactly or directly
There it was—bang [=right] in front of us!
The show began bang on time.
Cite this Entry
“Bang.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bang. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
