ding-dong
Americannoun
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ding-dongs
plural
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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
Hostess is ding-dong ditching one of its fan-favorite sweet treats.
From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2025
But it can certainly provoke a stirring diplomatic ding-dong.
From BBC ● Jan. 6, 2022
Gramps had said, “We’ll see the whole ding-dong country!”
From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech
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
Complete with sleigh bells, ding-dongs and celestial choirs, it is one of three songs the stars wrote after Sir Elton pitched the idea last Christmas.
From BBC ● Dec. 2, 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
The doorbell ding-dongs, and children squeal outside, and Freckles goes, “God! We spent all that time at Duane Reade and didn’t even think to pick up candy.”
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
