ping

[ping]

verb (used without object)

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

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ping¹

First recorded in 1850–55; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of ping¹

C19: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

That was the message I received out of the blue from someone called Syndicate who pinged me in July on the encrypted chat app Signal.

From BBC

On Sunday night, the inboxes of the families with children at the kindergarten pinged with an email from management wanting to address a "tumultuous" few weeks.

From BBC

She is also alert in the backfield and, in contrast to last week where Australia poked holes with kicks, Rowland ably fielded whatever Loughborough Lightning team-mate Helen Nelson pinged her way.

From BBC

Then, just before 11am, as foreign office minister Stephen Doughty stood up in the Commons to answer an urgent question on Mandelson, my emails pinged - and Lord Mandelson was a goner.

From BBC

But Chalamet’s irresistible charms will go a long way in tampering that distaste, especially as a wily ping pong player.

From Salon