ding-dong

[ ding-dawng, -dong ]

/ ˈdɪŋˌdɔŋ, -ˌdɒŋ /

Save This Word!

See 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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ding-dong

1550–60; gradational compound based on ding, apparently blend of din¹ and ring²

Words nearby ding-dong

Dingaan, ding-a-ling, ding an sich, dingbat, dingbats, ding-dong, dinge, dinger, dinges, dinghy, dingle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ding-dong in a sentence

On the southern side of the JSA, there is a village called Daeseong-dong (대성동).
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On the northern side of the Joint Security Area between North and South Korea, there is a village called Kijong-dong (기정동).
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Director Yoo Dong-hun and screenwriter Lee Jung-u were arrested for firebombing theaters.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I called it “ding-dong diplomacy”; Governor Richardson wisely pointed out that “basketball diplomacy” is better than none.
Pyongyang Primer: Kenneth Bae Comes Home|Kevin Bleyer|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST

She was going to be a point person on health-care reform, and they needed to ding her.
Will Kathleen Sebelius Win in the End? Legacy Tied to Obamacare’s Outcome|Michael Tomasky|April 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I did so, and I had to report unfavourably, for “facts are chiels that winna ding.”
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
The suddenness and the emphasis of the ding told on unexpected nerves, but it brought the Fourth Reader class up erect.
Emmy Lou|George Madden Martin
No tedious ding-dong daily practice—just 20 brief, entertaining lessons, easily mastered.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930|Various
The ding of her husband's cash register and the click of her dangle bag mark the systole and diastole of married life.
Bizarre|Lawton Mackall
We have had a wonderful day with a wonderful en——” said Lil, a yawn hitting her midway so she could not get out the “ding.
The Carter Girls' Week-End Camp|Nell Speed

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

a violent exchange of blows or words
(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

ding-dong

Origin of ding-dong

Words nearby ding-dong

Words related to ding-dong

How to use ding-dong in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ding-dong

Word Origin for ding-dong