zing

American  

[zing] / zɪŋ /

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.

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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 British  

/ zɪŋ /

noun

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

2. vitality; zest

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of zing

First recorded in 1910–15; imitative

Explanation

Zing is a quality of excitement or enthusiasm. If you want to add some zing to your nephew's birthday party, you might want to hire a magician or offer pony rides. A director might add zing to her movie by enticing a big movie star to play a role, and your brother may tend to put extra zing in his stories in the form of exaggerated, colorful details. In both examples, zing makes something that's slightly dull seem a bit livelier. You can also use zing for a spicy or piquant flavor: "I put some cayenne pepper in the sauce to give it some zing."

Example Sentences

There is nothing fresh or original here, no wit or zing, no pressure on language or form or voice or thought.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

‘There is nothing fresh or original here, no wit or zing, no pressure on language or form or voice or thought.’

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

There’s not much comic zing in the idea that a handful of selfish families rule the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

The finished dumpling — which can be enjoyed as a quick snack or meal — is deliciously pillowy and spicy with a hint of zing.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

Momly threw one of her zings that sound too sweet to be a zing, which makes it zingier.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds