rung

¹

[ ruhng ]

verb

1. simple past tense and past participle of ring ².

rung

²

[ ruhng ]

noun

1. one of the crosspieces, usually rounded, forming the steps of a ladder.
2. a rounded or shaped piece fixed horizontally, for strengthening purposes, as between the legs of a chair.
3. a spoke of a wheel.
4. a stout stick, rod, or bar, especially one of rounded section, forming a piece in something framed or constructed.
5. a stage in a scale, level in a hierarchy, etc.; degree:

   He rose a few rungs in the company.

rung

¹

/ rʌŋ /

noun

1. one of the bars or rods that form the steps of a ladder
2. a crosspiece between the legs of a chair, etc
3. nautical a spoke on a ship's wheel or a handle projecting from the periphery
4. dialect.
   a cudgel or staff

rung

²

/ rʌŋ /

verb

1. the past participle of ring 2

Usage

See ring 2

Derived Forms

• ˈrungless, adjective

Other Words From

• rungless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rung¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hrung; cognate with Gothic hrunga rod, German Runge

Word History and Origins

Origin of rung¹

Old English hrung ; related to Old High German runga , Gothic hrugga

Example Sentences

“You don’t think the guy can go up anymore in your esteem, another rung on the ladder of your esteem,” Harbaugh said, “and then he finds another one. It’s incredible.”

From Los Angeles Times

What if this is the start of a more fundamental shift of what were entry-level jobs away from young people, where the first rungs of the jobs ladder are being broken?

From BBC

“There's no beginner mode anymore—the bottom rung of the ladder just feels completely gone, I think, for most of the generation,” Ms Scanlon said.

From BBC

Aristocrats with autocratic manners were fun to play, but characters from the common rung could be just as commanding.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s all the worthy rungs below that need investment to expand their reach.

From Los Angeles Times