ding-dong

American  

[ding-dawng, -dong] / ˈdɪŋˌdɔŋ, -ˌdɒŋ /

noun

1. the sound of a bell.

2. any similar sound of repeated strokes.

3. Slang. ding-a-ling.

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adjective

1. characterized by or resembling the sound of a bell.

2. marked by rapid alternation of retaliatory action.

   a ding-dong struggle.

ding-dong British  

noun

1. the sound of a bell or bells, esp two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart

2. an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell

3. 1. a violent exchange of blows or words

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ding-dong battle in the board room

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adjective

1. sounding or ringing repeatedly

Etymology

Origin of ding-dong

1550–60; gradational compound based on ding, apparently blend of din ¹ and ring ²

Example Sentences

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

He earns many ding-dong points from the Surge for his invocation of Mr. Law.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2022

But it can certainly provoke a stirring diplomatic ding-dong.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2022

My homework swims in front of my closed eyes—the Intro to Wall Street stock-picking game, the Inca history paper, the ding-dong math test—they appear as if on a gravestone.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini