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

As part of that transformation, Bieniemy unfurled zing to go with the bling, mixing in a few choice words as part of his message.

From Los Angeles Times

I wished for a bit more pep and bite in her phrasing to match the staging’s zing.

From New York Times

Sometimes I stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if I feel there is enough vinegar, but would like more zing.

From Salon

Staring down at our pickles and lox, we wondered how the salty, crispy zing of these foods represented the marriage of culture and microbiology.

From Salon

She wanted her dream back, the zing of her fishing reel in her hands.

From Literature