gong

[ gawng, gong ]

noun

1. a large bronze disk, of Asian origin, having an upturned rim, that produces a vibrant, hollow tone when struck, usually with a stick or hammer that has a padded head.
2. a shallow bell sounded by a hammer operated electrically or mechanically:

   The fire-alarm system will automatically sound the gong.

3. (in a clock or watch) a rod or wire, either straight or bent into a spiral, on which the time is struck.
4. British Slang. a medal or military decoration.

verb (used without object)

1. to sound as a gong does; ring, chime, or reverberate.

gong

/ ɡɒŋ /

noun

1. Also calledtam-tam a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a metal platelike disc struck with a soft-headed drumstick
2. a rimmed metal disc, hollow metal hemisphere, or metal strip, tube, or wire that produces a note when struck. It may be used to give alarm signals when operated electromagnetically
3. a fixed saucer-shaped bell, as on an alarm clock, struck by a mechanically operated hammer
4. slang.
   a medal, esp a military one

verb

1. intr to sound a gong
2. tr (of traffic police) to summon (a driver) to stop by sounding a gong

Derived Forms

• ˈgongˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• gonglike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gong¹

1800–10; < Malay, Javanese: any suspended bossed and rimmed gong; presumably imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of gong¹

C17: from Malay, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Led by Netanel and the members of her High Vibe Tribe, it’s a 90-minute alfresco experience that includes harp, flute, gongs, chimes, rain sticks, crystal bowls and other relaxing sound makers.

From Los Angeles Times

“Two drummers and zero gongs is a nice, strong boundary, I think.”

From Los Angeles Times

Doubtless both of them would tell you that they appreciate the recognition but would have swapped their gongs for the speedier enactment of the laws they’ve fought for.

From BBC

“The Talking Drum” — his piece for bass drum, temple gong, prerecorded sound and electronic and performed in a dry pool — explores the sonic implications of a heartbeat with thrilling result.

From Los Angeles Times

Without even a pause, the wolf kicked those two hard enough to send them flying into the snow walls, where their helmets crashed into the snow stone with loud gongs.

From Literature