ping

American  

[ping] / pɪŋ /

verb (used without object)

1. to produce a sharp sound like that of a bullet striking a sheet of metal.

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verb (used with object)

1. Computers. to send an echo-request packet to (an IP address) and use the echo reply to determine whether another computer on the network is operational and the speed at which the data is being transferred.

2. to make contact with (someone) by sending a brief electronic message, as a text message.

   The design team should ping marketing to set up a meeting next week.

   Ping me when you arrive, and I’ll meet you at the door.

noun

1. a pinging sound.

2. an infrasonic or ultrasonic sound wave created by sonar in echolocation.

3. an acoustic signal transmitted to indicate a location.

   Rescue crews were able to follow the ping and locate the flight recorder.

4. Computers. an echo-request and echo-reply protocol that tests a connection online or in a network by sending a packet to a host IP address and measuring the round-trip speed of data transfer.

5. one of the possible sounds made by an electronic or mobile device to signal the receipt of data, as a phone or text message.

ping British  

/ pɪŋ /

noun

1. a short high-pitched resonant sound, as of a bullet striking metal or a sonar echo

2. computing a system for testing whether internet systems are responding and how long in milliseconds it takes them to respond

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verb

1. (intr) to make such a noise

2. (tr) computing to send a test message to (a computer or server) in order to check whether it is responding or how long it takes it to respond

Other Word Forms

• pinging
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ping

First recorded in 1850–55; imitative

Explanation

A ping is a sharp, high-pitched, somewhat musical sound. Quickly tapping a spoon against a crystal glass makes a ping. If you ping someone, you contact them via computer or phone, which might ping when the message comes through. The word ping is onomatopoeic, or imitative — in other words, it sounds just like its meaning. Things that might ping include your electronic alarm clock, some video games, a stone against your car's windshield, and the timer on your microwave. In the 1800s, a ping was primarily the sound a bullet made as it hit something — today it's just as likely to mean "a message sent from one computer to another."

Example Sentences

Not long after the game ended, he heard the ping of a text message.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Lu - the 64-year-old president of the American Changle Association, a Chinese community group - argued he was simply trying to help people renew driver's licenses and facilitate social activities like mahjong and ping pong.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Upload speeds were generally stable, though ping times increased significantly on distant servers — reaching over 500 ms in Australia — which could introduce noticeable lag during gaming or video calls.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

“Chalamet made the comment on a press tour for his movie about ping pong”—not a sport known for setting attendance records.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Definitely doesn’t ping the way I think he expects it to, but it does get our attention.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone