gong

[gawng, gong]

noun

1. a large bronze disk, of Asian origin, having an upturned rim, that produces a vibrant, hollow tone when struck, usually with a stick or hammer that has a padded head.

2. a shallow bell sounded by a hammer operated electrically or mechanically.

   The fire-alarm system will automatically sound the gong.

3. (in a clock or watch) a rod or wire, either straight or bent into a spiral, on which the time is struck.

4. British Slang.,  a medal or military decoration.

verb (used without object)

1. to sound as a gong does; ring, chime, or reverberate.

gong

/ ɡɒŋ /

noun

1. Also called: tam-tam. a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a metal platelike disc struck with a soft-headed drumstick

2. a rimmed metal disc, hollow metal hemisphere, or metal strip, tube, or wire that produces a note when struck. It may be used to give alarm signals when operated electromagnetically

3. a fixed saucer-shaped bell, as on an alarm clock, struck by a mechanically operated hammer

4. slang,  a medal, esp a military one

verb

1. (intr) to sound a gong

2. (tr) (of traffic police) to summon (a driver) to stop by sounding a gong

Other Word Forms

• gonglike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gong¹

1800–10; < Malay, Javanese: any suspended bossed and rimmed gong; presumably imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of gong¹

C17: from Malay, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Combined with the coloured, shimmering floor and walls, and a soundtrack of muffled voices, gongs and bird calls, it all creates a powerful if unnerving feeling of floating in another realm.

From BBC

Every 10 minutes or so, a gong rang and an announcer proclaimed a new act was set to start — a magic show, a mariachi, a wandering gorilla.

From Los Angeles Times

Afterwards, as she was presented with the player of the match gong, Kildunne said she felt she had "stolen" the award.

From BBC

There was also a gong for two US paediatricians who found that a mother eating garlic made her breastmilk smell of garlic too - something babies actually appeared to enjoy more.

From BBC

The former won the night's big award for best video for Brighter Days Ahead while the latter's haul included the new gong for best pop artist.

From BBC