ding-dong
Americannoun
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the sound of a bell.
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any similar sound of repeated strokes.
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Slang. ding-a-ling.
adjective
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characterized by or resembling the sound of a bell.
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marked by rapid alternation of retaliatory action.
a ding-dong struggle.
noun
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the sound of a bell or bells, esp two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart
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an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell
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a violent exchange of blows or words
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( as modifier )
a ding-dong battle in the board room
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adjective
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of ding-dong
1550–60; gradational compound based on ding, apparently blend of din 1 and ring 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Inside were cameras and listening devices throughout the house; anyone approaching his locked bedroom would be detected and announced by loud ding-dong sounds before reaching the bedroom door.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026
It went to eight deuces before a netted backhand allowed Siniakova to level the set at 3-3 before another ding-dong battle in the next game.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
England's defence conceded five tries, as they were drawn into ding-dong high-tempo game that suited the opposition and the half-time break couldn't halt.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2024
Everyone singing the "ding-dong" song from "The Wizard of Oz" has a right to enjoy whatever the relative silence her absence yields.
From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2021
The ding-dong was barely there against the pulse of music and the rush of blood in my ears.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
I am puzzled by a series of ding-dongs which follow my use of the internet.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 29, 2023
How would you react if some ding-dongs led by a guy in a Viking horns hat got riled up on conspiracy message boards, broke into your workplace, and took a dump on the floor?
From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2022
Merry Christmas is bittersweet track that celebrates the season with the usual sleigh bells, ding-dongs and choirs, while also remembering "the ones who have gone".
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2021
“And then we figured out where it was so, and then one of your officers was like, ‘Hey, hey ding-dongs, you’re at the wrong spot.’”
From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2020
Some ding-dongs believe me, though, and when that happens, I keep the lie going, spinning it until I run out of ideas: I backpacked through France, Germany, and Spain with my rich aunt from Barcelona.
From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
