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

"Nope, he is a rung below for that reason," said Lehmann on ABC Sport, when asked if Root was in the same category.

From BBC

Warm or cold, charming or sneering, gazing down from society’s top rung or desperately trying to get there, he is the craven soul of a corrupt social system.

From Los Angeles Times

Flintoff has returned to the game and gone straight to a high rung on the coaching ladder.

From BBC

“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