gong

noun

ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
1
: a disk-shaped percussion instrument that produces a resounding tone when struck with a usually padded hammer
2
a
: a saucer-shaped bell (as in a fire alarm) that is struck by a mechanical hammer
b
: a wire rod wound in a flat spiral for sounding the time or chime or alarm (as in a clock)
3
British : medal
gong intransitive verb

Examples of gong in a Sentence

They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 2024 Golden Joystick Awards are just around the corner, and ahead of the ceremony in London on November 21, its organizers have unveiled the shortlist for its coveted Ultimate Game of the Year gong. Matt Gardner, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The best films in each thematic curation will also get a gong. Lily Templeton, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024 Fast-forward several decades and numerous gongs, and the man who imbues Catholicism into many of his movies is still fascinated by the religion to this day. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2024 Record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and current holder Lionel Messi has been snubbed by France Football for its prestigious gong awarded to the best male player in the world. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gong 

Word History

Etymology

Malay & Javanese, of imitative origin

First Known Use

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gong was circa 1590

Dictionary Entries Near gong

Cite this Entry

“Gong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gong. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gong

noun
ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
1
: a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck
2
: a flat saucer-shaped bell

More from Merriam-Webster on gong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!