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

“When you’re 16 and you don’t really like yourself, and you’re trying to figure out what the hell is gong on in your body and your makeup and your hormones, and people are telling you that you’re not good enough — that weight is so heavy,” Sweeney said at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

It is under these extreme and violent circumstances that Huangting Gong, 30, could face the death penalty, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

From Los Angeles Times

Otherwise, Gong faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors say Gong then returned to the home again on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

One of Wang’s family members reached out to Gong on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times