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

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

From BBC

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.

From Salon

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.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

The transfer from Appalachian State was taking the first repetitions during the roughly 12 minutes of practice drills reporters were allowed to watch Tuesday, firing passes with considerable zing.

From Los Angeles Times