ding
ding Lexical Profile
ding Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A short, high-pitched, metallic ringing sound, such as that made by a bell, timer, or notification alert.
"A soft ding from her phone announced that the message had arrived."
A small dent, nick, or surface mark on an object caused by a minor blow or collision.
"He noticed a fresh ding on the passenger door after parking at the supermarket."
• verb
To make a short, clear, metallic ringing sound.
"The toaster oven dinged when the garlic bread was ready."
To cause a small dent, nick, or surface blemish in an object by hitting it lightly.
"A stray shopping cart dinged the front fender of his car."
North American To penalize, criticize, or deduct points from someone or something (informal).
"The credit agency dinged her score for a single late payment."
• interjection
Used to imitate the clear, metallic ringing sound of a small bell or chime, or to indicate that a correct answer or realization has just been reached.
"Ding! The elevator doors finally slid open on the twelfth floor."
• Rhymes for ding
Word Origin & Etymology
The sound-related senses are of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin, attested since the 16th century. The sense meaning 'to strike or dent' derives from Middle English 'dingen', likely borrowed from an Old Norse word akin to 'dengja' (to hammer or beat).