ping

[ ping ]

/ pɪŋ /

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verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

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.

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

a pinging sound.

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

an acoustic signal transmitted to indicate a location: Rescue crews were able to follow the ping and locate the flight recorder.

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.

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of ping

First recorded in 1850–55; imitative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ping in a sentence

When buying a ping pong table, look for wood composite, heavy duty aluminum, and other quality material surfaces that will create a consistent ball bounce and durability while withstanding intense play and long-term use.
Advanced tables to enhance your ping pong game|PopSci Commerce Team|February 5, 2021|Popular-Science
To combat this, the league is introducing a new tool that means two teams competing against each other online will always play on the same ping.
Overwatch League wants to ‘level-up’ online matches, tournaments for 2021 season|Teddy Amenabar|January 14, 2021|Washington Post
Two weeks ago, spam text messages started pinging the mobile phones of Hong Kong residents associated with the protests.
A Double Agent App Targets Hong Kong’s Protesters|Jacob Siegel|October 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The pinging detector towed by the Ocean Shield is really the last best hope of pulling this off.
Can Anyone Find MH370 If It’s in a Million Pieces?|Clive Irving|April 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Sean Hoare, a former News of the World business reporter, says “pinging” cost $500 a pop.
Murdoch Resignation Rumors Fly||July 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Even if we didn't have new ideas that kept pinging the economy, and filtering in, the economy would only go down so far.
Interview With Edmund Phelps|The Daily Beast|July 13, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The pinging of the gnats hovering over and among the sedges made an incessant murmur through the warm, sultry air.
Great Ghost Stories|Various
Though bullets were kicking up spurts of dust in the road or ping- pinging against the steel turret he would not be hurried.
Fighting in Flanders|E. Alexander Powell
He felt the bullets pinging against his armor plate and ripping through his wings.
A Yankee Flier Over Berlin|Al Avery
The pinging ceased sharply: the drumming continued; and I looked up to see the mess sergeant standing over me, at attention.
Foe-Farrell|Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
Our dreams of home were interrupted by the "pinging" of bullets, and the more distressing sounds of missiles of larger caliber.
A Boy Trooper With Sheridan|Stanton P. Allen

British Dictionary definitions for ping

ping

/ (pɪŋ) /

noun

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

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

verb

(intr) to make such a noise

(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

Derived forms of ping

pinging, adjective

Word Origin for ping

C19: of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ping

Origin of ping

Words related to ping

How to use ping in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ping

Derived forms of ping

Word Origin for ping