zing

[zing]

noun

1. vitality, animation, or zest.

2. a quality or characteristic that excites the interest, enthusiasm, etc..

   a tourist town with lots of zing.

3. a sharp singing or whining noise, as of a bullet passing through the air.

verb (used without object)

1. to move or proceed with a sharp singing or whining noise.

   The cars zinged down the highway.

2. to move or proceed with speed or vitality; zip.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to move with or as with a sharp, singing or whining noise.

   The pitcher zinged a slider right over the plate.

2. Slang.,  to blame or criticize severely.

   City Hall always gets zinged when crime increases.

zing

/ zɪŋ /

noun

1. a short high-pitched buzzing sound, as of a bullet or vibrating string

2. vitality; zest

verb

1. (intr) to make or move with or as if with a high-pitched buzzing sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of zing¹

First recorded in 1910–15; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of zing¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

It’s a great song pick with manic crescendos — You blow a fuse, zing boom!

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After recovering from a serious hip injury, Breach has rediscovered her pinball zing.

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For example, Cherry Belle radish greens have a mild, peppery zing to them, similar to arugula, while Daikon greens are slightly more bitter, especially in mature plants.

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It was, to say the least, stunning: the dish was shaped in a geometric pattern, with pristinely poached chicken, masterfully handled vegetables and a milky, creamy sauce with that familiar zing of ginger.

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But it’s the gleam in his eyes, the gusto in his delivery, that makes every line zing.

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