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

Two of the best teams in the NFL just happen to be division rivals who served up a beauty with Detroit kicker Jake Bates settling a ding-dong battle 31-29 with his last-minute field goal.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2024

I was the kid in the neighborhood running around with no socks on, hopping over fences, playing tag, playing ding-dong ditch, like kids in the old days.

From Seattle Times • May 12, 2023

I hear the bell toll, ding-dong, like the ghost of a cosmetics woman, down in the hall.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood