rung

¹ American  

[ruhng] / rʌŋ /

verb

1. simple past tense and past participle of ring.

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rung ² American  

[ruhng] / rʌŋ /

noun

1. one of the crosspieces, usually rounded, forming the steps of a ladder.

2. a rounded or shaped piece fixed horizontally, for strengthening purposes, as between the legs of a chair.

3. a spoke of a wheel.

4. a stout stick, rod, or bar, especially one of rounded section, forming a piece in something framed or constructed.

5. a stage in a scale, level in a hierarchy, etc.; degree.

   He rose a few rungs in the company.

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rung ¹ British  

/ rʌŋ /

noun

1. one of the bars or rods that form the steps of a ladder

2. a crosspiece between the legs of a chair, etc

3. nautical a spoke on a ship's wheel or a handle projecting from the periphery

4. dialect a cudgel or staff

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rung ² British  

/ rʌŋ /

verb

1. the past participle of ring 2

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Other Word Forms

• rungless adjective

Etymology

Origin of rung

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hrung; cognate with Gothic hrunga rod, German Runge

Example Sentences

It had been half an hour since the doorbell had rung last.

From Literature

Her frustration is shared by many people of her age, for whom the first rung on the career ladder can seem out of reach.

From BBC

Simultaneously, there will be a lower rung where the top performers can earn their way into the upper circuit.

From The Wall Street Journal

She followed that by capturing the Dubai 1000-level tournament, just a rung below the majors.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked about the impact of AI on business, Sir Michael said his main observation was of a looming impact on the lower rungs of the workforce.

From BBC