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.

Nearby words

dinette, ding, ding an sich, 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

Examples from the Web for ding-dong

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
There was Ding-dong out in the rain, and drenched to the skin, peering into the cave.
The Motor Rangers Through the Sierras|Marvin West
The ding-dong of that buoy bell never had sounded so near before.
Witches Cove|Roy J. Snell
See how he stands astonished, as old Adam and Eve ply their ding-dong!
The Fortunes of Nigel|Sir Walter Scott

Cal was to stay and guard the camp with Ding-dong for a companion.
The Motor Rangers Through the Sierras|Marvin West
Ding-dong, who didn't object to the luxuries of life, sighed.
The Motor Rangers Through the Sierras|Marvin West

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