definitions

ding-dong

[ ding-dawng, -dong ]
/ ˈdɪŋˌdɔŋ, -ˌdɒŋ /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ding-dong ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the sound of a bell.
any similar sound of repeated strokes.
Slang. ding-a-ling.

adjective

characterized by or resembling the sound of a bell.
marked by rapid alternation of retaliatory action: a ding-dong struggle.

RELATED WORDS

buzzer, siren, gong, ringer, alarm, buzz, tocsin, ding-dong, peal, toll, carillon, chime, curfew, vesper, clapper, ass, dummy, jackass, half-wit, oaf

Nearby words

ding, ding an sich, ding dong, ding ling, ding-a-ling, ding-dong, dingaan, dingbat, dingbats, dinge, dinger

Origin of ding-dong

1550–60; gradational compound based on ding, apparently blend of din1 and ring2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for ding dong

ding-dong

noun

the sound of a bell or bells, esp two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart
an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell
  1. a violent exchange of blows or words
  2. (as modifier)a ding-dong battle in the board room

adjective

sounding or ringing repeatedly

Word Origin for ding-dong

C16: of imitative origin; see ding 1
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

Word Origin and History for ding dong

ding dong

imitative of the sound of a bell, c.1560.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper