gong
a large bronze disk, of Asian origin, having an upturned rim, that produces a vibrant, hollow tone when struck, usually with a stick or hammer that has a padded head.
a shallow bell sounded by a hammer operated electrically or mechanically: The fire-alarm system will automatically sound the gong.
(in a clock or watch) a rod or wire, either straight or bent into a spiral, on which the time is struck.
British Slang. a medal or military decoration.
to sound as a gong does; ring, chime, or reverberate.
Origin of gong
1Other words from gong
- gonglike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gong in a sentence
Under the name of "Chimes" these resonant gongs are now finding place in many Church and Concert organs.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing MillerSuddenly there was a clang-clang of gongs, and all traffic drew to one side to allow the passage of a flying motor fire-engine.
The Daffodil Mystery | Edgar WallaceHaving seen your efforts to provide for your wife, who loves not you, he sends you these gongs.
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India | Katherine Neville FleesonThe total fine amounted to $5,200, and the jars were carefully examined, the gongs weighed and their values assessed.
Wanderings Among South Sea Savages And in Borneo and the Philippines | H. Wilfrid WalkerNo sooner had we sighted it than the air resounded with the loud beating of large gongs and plenty of shouting.
Wanderings Among South Sea Savages And in Borneo and the Philippines | H. Wilfrid Walker
British Dictionary definitions for gong
/ (ɡɒŋ) /
Also called: tam-tam a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a metal platelike disc struck with a soft-headed drumstick
a rimmed metal disc, hollow metal hemisphere, or metal strip, tube, or wire that produces a note when struck. It may be used to give alarm signals when operated electromagnetically
a fixed saucer-shaped bell, as on an alarm clock, struck by a mechanically operated hammer
British slang a medal, esp a military one
(intr) to sound a gong
(tr) (of traffic police) to summon (a driver) to stop by sounding a gong
Origin of gong
1Derived forms of gong
- gonglike, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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