Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense rings, present participle ringing, past tense rang, past participle rung
1. verb
When you ring someone, you phone them.
[mainly British]
He rang me at my mother's. [VERB noun]
If you'd like more information, ring the Hotline on 414 3929. [VERB noun]
I would ring when I got back to the hotel. [VERB]
She has rung home just once. [VERB adverb]
Could someone ring for a taxi? [VERB + for]
Synonyms: phone, call, telephone, buzz [informal, mainly British] More Synonyms of ring
Ring up means the same as ring1.
You can ring us up anytime. [VERB noun PARTICLE]
John rang up and invited himself over for dinner. [VERBPARTICLE]
A few months ago I rang up about some housing problems. [VP + about]
Nobody rings up a doctor in the middle of the night for no reason. [VERBPARTICLE noun]
regional note: in AM, usually use call
2. verb
When a phone rings, it makes a sound to let you know that someone is phoning you.
As soon as he got home, the phone rang. [VERB]
The phone never stopped ringing. [VERB]
Ring is also a noun.
After at least eight rings, an ancient-sounding maid answered the phone.
ringinguncountable noun
She was jolted out of her sleep by the ringing of the phone. [+ of]
3. verb
When you ring a bell or when a bell rings, it makes a sound.
He heard the school bell ring. [VERB]
The door was opened before she could ring the bell. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: chime, sound, toll, resound More Synonyms of ring
Ring is also a noun.
There was a ring at the bell.
ringinguncountable noun
...the ringing of church bells. [+ of]
4. verb
If you ringfor something, you ring a bell to call someone to bring it to you. If you ring for someone, you ring a bell so that they will come to you.
Shall I ring for a fresh pot of tea? [VERB + for]
He rang for the guard to let him out. [VERBfor noun]
5. verb
If you say that a place is ringingwith sound, usually pleasant sound, you mean that the place is completely filled with that sound.
[literary]
The whole place was ringing with music. [VERB + with]
[Also VERB]
Synonyms: reverberate, echo, resound, resonate More Synonyms of ring
6. singular noun
You can use ring to describe a quality that something such as a statement, discussion, or argument seems to have. For example, if an argument has a familiar ring, it seems familiar.
His proud boast of leading 'the party of low taxation' has a hollow ring.
7.
See to ring the changes
8.
See ring in one's ears/ring in one's head
9.
See give sb a ring
10.
See to ring true
11. See also ringing
12. to ring a bell
Phrasal verbs:
See ring around
See ring back
See ring in
See ring off
See ring out
See ring round
See ring up
More Synonyms of ring
ring shapes and groups
(rɪŋ)
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense rings, present participle ringing, past tense, past participle ringed
1. countable noun
A ring is a small circle of metal or other substance that you wear on your finger as jewellery.
She wore several diamond rings.
...a gold wedding ring.
2. countable noun
An object or substance that is in the shape of a circle can be described as a ring.
Frank took a large ring of keys from his pocket. [+ of]
...a ring of blue smoke. [+ of]
Synonyms: circle, round, band, circuit More Synonyms of ring
3. countable noun
A group of people or things arranged in a circle can be described as a ring.
They then formed a ring around the square.
...grilled fish surrounded by a ring of thinly cut carrots.
4. countable noun
A gas or electric ring is one of the small flat areas on top of a stove which heat up and which you use for cooking.
[mainly British]regional note: in AM, usually use burner
5. countable noun
At a boxing or wrestling match or a circus, the ring is the place where the contest or performance takes place. It consists of an enclosedspace with seats round it.
He will never again be allowed inside a British boxing ring.
6. countable noun [usually noun NOUN]
You can refer to an organized group of people who are involved in an illegal activity as a ring.
They exposed a smuggling ring trading in illegal elephants.
...an international spy ring.
7. verb [usually passive]
If a building or place is ringedwith or by something, it is surrounded by it.
The areas are sealed off and ringed by troops. [beVERB-ed]
8. verb
If you ring a bird, you put a small metal ring around its leg so that you can identify it andstudy its movements and habits.
[mainly British]
He demonstrated his techniques for ringing birds. [VERB noun]
regional note: in AM, usually use tag
9.
See to run rings around someone
ring in British English1
(rɪŋ)
noun
1.
a circular band usually of a precious metal, esp gold, often set with gems and worn upon the finger as an adornment or as a token of engagement or marriage
2.
any object or mark that is circular in shape
3.
a circular path or course
to run around in a ring
4.
a group of people or things standing or arranged so as to form a circle
a ring of spectators
5.
an enclosed space, usually circular in shape, where circus acts are performed
6.
a square apron or raised platform, marked off by ropes, in which contestants box or wrestle
7. the ring
8.
the field of competition or rivalry
9. throw one's hat in the ring
10.
a group of people usually operating illegally and covertly
a drug ring
a paedophile ring
11.
(esp at country fairs) an enclosure, often circular, where horses, cattle, and other livestock are paraded and auctioned
12.
an area reserved for betting at a racecourse
13.
a circular strip of bark cut from a tree or branch, esp in order to kill it
14.
a single turn in a spiral
15. geometry
the area of space lying between two concentric circles
16. mathematics
a set that is subject to two binary operations, addition and multiplication, such that the set is an Abelian group under addition and is closed under multiplication, this latter operation being associative
17. botany short for annual ring
18. Also called: closed chain chemistry
a closed loop of atoms in a molecule
19. astronomy
any of the thin circular bands of small bodies orbiting a giant planet, esp Saturn
See also Saturn2 (sense 1)
20. run rings around
verbWord forms: rings, ringing or ringed(transitive)
21.
to surround with, or as if with, or form a ring; encircle
22.
to mark (a bird) with a ring or clip for subsequent identification
23.
to fit a ring in the nose of (a bull, pig, etc) so that it can be led easily
24. Also: ringbark
a.
to cut away a circular strip of bark from (a tree or branch) in order to kill it
b.
to cut a narrow or partial ring from (the trunk of a tree) in order to check or prevent vigorous growth
25. Australian and New Zealand
to be the fastest shearer in (a shearing shed), esp in the phrase ring the shed)
Word origin
Old English hring; related to Old Norse hringr
ring in British English2
(rɪŋ)
verbWord forms: rings, ringing, rang or rung
1.
to emit or cause to emit a sonorous or resonant sound, characteristic of certain metals when struck
2.
to cause (a bell) to emit a ringing sound by striking it once or repeatedly or (of a bell) to emitsuch a sound
3.
a. (transitive)
to cause (a large bell, esp a church bell) to emit a ringing sound by pulling on arope that is attached to a wheel on which the bell swings back and forth, being sounded by a clapper inside it
Compare chime1 (sense 6)
b. (intransitive)
(of a bell) to sound by being swung in this way
4. (intransitive)
(of a building, place, etc) to be filled with sound; echo
the church rang with singing
5. (intransitive; foll byfor)
to call by means of a bell, buzzer, etc
to ring for the butler
6. Also: ring up mainly British
to call (a person) by telephone
7. (transitive)
to strike or tap (a coin) in order to assess its genuineness by the sound produced
8. (intransitive)
(of the ears) to have or give the sensation of humming or ringing
9. (intransitive) electronics
(of an electric circuit) to produce a damped oscillatory wave after the application of a sharp input transition
10. (transitive) slang
to change the identity of (a stolen vehicle) by using the licence plate, serial number, etc, of another, usually disused, vehicle
11. ring a bell
12. ring down the curtain
13. ring false
14. ring the bell
15. ring the changes
16. ring true
noun
17.
the act of or a sound made by ringing
18.
a sound produced by or suggestive of a bell
19.
any resonant or metallic sound, esp one sustained or re-echoed
the ring of trumpets
20. informal, mainly British
a telephone call
he gave her a ring last night
21.
the complete set of bells in a tower or belfry
a ring of eight bells
peal1 (sense 3)
22.
an inherent quality or characteristic
his explanation has the ring of sincerity
23. electronics
the damped oscillatory wave produced by a circuit that rings
▶ USAGE Rang and sang are the correct forms of the past tenses of ring and sing, although rung and sung are still heard informally and dialectally: he rung (rang) the bell
Word origin
Old English hringan; related to Old High German hringen Old Norse hringja
ring in American English1
(rɪŋ)
verb intransitiveWord forms: rang or Chiefly Dialectalrung, rung, ˈringing
1.
to give forth a clear, resonant sound when struck or otherwise caused to vibrate, as a bell
2.
to produce, as by sounding, a specified impression on the hearer
promises that ring false
3.
to cause a bell or bells to sound, esp. as a summons
to ring for a maid
4.
to sound loudly or be full of sound; be resonant; resound
the room rang with laughter
5.
to have a sensation as of ringing, humming, etc.
said of the ears or head
verb transitive
6.
to cause (a bell, etc.) to ring
7.
to sound (a peal, knell, etc.) by or as by ringing a bell or bells
8.
to signal, proclaim, announce, summon, etc. by or as by ringing
chimes rang the hours
9.
to test (coins, etc.) by the sound produced in striking on something hard
10. Chiefly British
to call by telephone
often with up
11. Slang
to substitute (originally a racehorse) fraudulently
often with in
noun
12.
the sound of a bell
13.
a.
any similar sound
the ring of laughter
b.
any loud sound, esp. when repeated, continued, or reverberated
14.
the characteristic sound or impression (of some feeling)
the ring of sincerity
15.
a set of bells
16.
the act of ringing a bell, etc.
17.
a telephone call
chiefly in give someone a ring, to telephone someone
Idioms:
ring a bell
ring down the curtain
ring in (or out)
ring off
ring the bell
ring up
ring up the curtain
Word origin
ME ringen < OE hringan < IE echoic base *ker- > raven1, creak, L corvus, crow
ring in American English2
(rɪŋ)
noun
1.
a small, circular band of metal, etc., esp. of precious metal, often set with gems,for wearing on the finger as an ornament or a symbol of betrothal, marriage, etc.
2.
any similar band, as of metal, plastic, etc., used for some special purpose
a key ring, a napkin ring
3.
a circular line, mark, or figure
4.
the outer edge or border of something circular; rim, as of a wheel
5.
a circular cut made, or a circle of bark cut from, around the trunk or a branch ofa tree
6.
annual ring
7.
any of the turns in a helix or spiral
8.
a circular course, as in dancing
9.
a number of people or things grouped in a circle
10. US
a group of people working together to advance their own interests, esp. by questionable or illegal manipulation and control, as in business, politics, etc.
11.
an enclosed area, often circular, for contests, exhibitions, etc.
a circus ring
12.
a.
an enclosure, now usually a square, canvas-covered area set off by stakes and ropes, in which boxing and wrestling matches are held
b.
the sport or profession of boxing; prizefighting
with the
c. [pl.]; Gymnastics
two wooden rings suspended from a ceiling, used for acrobatic feats and routines
, usually with the
d. [pl.]; Gymnastics
a competitive event in which the rings are used
, usually with the
13.
a contest or competition, esp. a political one, as in throw one's hat into the ring
see also hat
14. Astronomy
a flat, thin, reflective band of orbiting particles, probably ice crystals and dust, encircling a planet, as Saturn or Uranus, along its equatorial plane at altitudes below the Roche limit
15. Chemistry
closed chain
16. Geometry
the space between two concentric circles
17. Ancient Mathematics
a set of elements that has two operations, addition and multiplication, and the propertiesof being a commutative group under addition, of being closed and associative under multiplication and addition,and in which multiplication is distributive over addition
verb transitiveWord forms: ringed or ˈringing
18.
to surround or encircle with or as with a ring
19.
to form into a ring or rings
20.
to furnish with a ring or rings
21.
to put a ring through the nose of (an animal), as to prevent rooting or fighting
22.
to circle about and so hem in (animals)
23.
in some games, to toss a ring, horseshoe, quoit, etc. so that it encircles (a peg)
24.
to girdle (a tree)
verb intransitive
25.
to form in a ring or rings
26.
to move in a circular or curving course; run, fly, etc. in circles or spirals
Idioms:
run rings around
Word origin
ME < OE hring, akin to OHG, ON hringr, Du ring, Goth *hrings < IE *(s)krengh- < base *(s)ker-, to turn, bend > Gr kirkos, ring, L cortina, round vessel
More idioms containing
ring
ring hollow
throw your hat into the ring
ring the changes
the brass ring
ring someone's bell
ring off the hook
ring true
Examples of 'ring' in a sentence
ring
Waiting for a bell to ring to go and vote.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The bank said it would ring back.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
More progress has been made one rung below the main board.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She also rang her parents after the row.
The Sun (2016)
Everyone used to ring me up.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It would set alarms ringing earlier.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The security chief's phone rang three times in five minutes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The next day, the landline rang again : another computer.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Surely there was enough evidence of chaos and neglect to set alarm bells ringing?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
She often puts a ring on that finger.
The Sun (2010)
Not only did he ring back promptly but he had already organised a replacement.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One rang eight times in two weeks.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Rhodry used the ring to reinforce his command that she fly as smoothly as possible.
Kerr, Katharine A Time of War (1993)
She also reports a ringing in her left ear.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They will ring out this call in vigorous swooping defence of a treasured tree full of berries.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is not a ringing endorsement for a life of public service.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Suddenly there was a ring at the door.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The boos from a large section of them at the end have a depressingly familiar ring.
The Sun (2013)
Then the telephone rang and the conversation with the punk rocker was over.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Our verbal message will ring hollow if an aspect of the medium potentially says something different.
Christianity Today (2000)
The metallic ringing sound in your head is tinnitus at full volume.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Oil the inside of the metal rings and the surface of the griddle.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Ministers hope the crackdown will stop people running rings round the system to put off gettinga job.
The Sun (2012)
The phone may ring any day.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It is the rings around Saturn you have to watch out for.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
A ring of blue lights assembled around the aircraft and buses parked between us and the other plane, obscuring our view.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
ring
British English: ring /rɪŋ/ NOUN
A ring is a round piece of metal that you wear on a finger.
He turned the ring on his finger.
American English: ring
Arabic: رَنِيـن
Brazilian Portuguese: anel
Chinese: 铃声
Croatian: prsten
Czech: prstýnek
Danish: ring
Dutch: ring
European Spanish: anillo
Finnish: soitto
French: bague
German: Ring
Greek: δαχτυλίδι
Italian: anello
Japanese: 鳴らすこと
Korean: 반지
Norwegian: ring
Polish: pierścień
European Portuguese: anel
Romanian: inel
Russian: кольцо
Latin American Spanish: anillo
Swedish: ring
Thai: แหวน
Turkish: yüzük
Ukrainian: каблучка
Vietnamese: tiếng chuông
British English: ring /rɪŋ/ VERB
telephone When you ring someone, you telephone them.
He rang me at my mother's.
American English: call telephone
Arabic: يُخابِرُ
Brazilian Portuguese: telefonar campainha
Chinese: 打电话
Croatian: nazvati
Czech: zavolat telefonem
Danish: ringe
Dutch: opbellen
European Spanish: llamar
Finnish: soida
French: téléphoner à
German: klingeln
Greek: κουδουνίζω
Italian: suonare
Japanese: 鳴らす
Korean: 울리다
Norwegian: ringe
Polish: zadzwonić
European Portuguese: telefonar campainha
Romanian: a telefona
Russian: звонить
Latin American Spanish: sonar
Swedish: ringa
Thai: โทรศัพท์หา
Turkish: çalmak zil/çan
Ukrainian: телефонувати
Vietnamese: gọi điện
British English: ring /rɪŋ/ VERB
bell When a bell rings, or when you ring it, it makes a clear, loud sound.
The school bell rings at nine o'clock.
American English: ring
Arabic: يَرِنُّ
Brazilian Portuguese: tocar
Chinese: 铃响
Croatian: zvoniti
Czech: zvonit
Danish: ringe
Dutch: weerklinken
European Spanish: tocar
Finnish: soida
French: sonner
German: läuten
Greek: χτυπώ
Italian: suonare
Japanese: 鳴る/鳴らす
Korean: 울리다
Norwegian: ringe
Polish: dzwonić
European Portuguese: tocar
Romanian: a suna
Russian: звенеть
Latin American Spanish: sonaremitir sonido
Swedish: ringa
Thai: ส่งเสียงดัง
Turkish: çalmak
Ukrainian: дзвонити
Vietnamese: reo
British English: ring VERB
telephone When a telephone rings, it makes a sound to let you know that someone is phoning you.
As soon as he got home, the phone rang.
American English: ring
Brazilian Portuguese: tocar
Chinese: 响铃电话
European Spanish: sonar
French: sonner
German: klingeln
Italian: squillare
Japanese: 鳴る
Korean: 전화벨이 울리다
European Portuguese: tocar
Latin American Spanish: sonar
British English: ring VERB
bell When you ring a bell or when a bell rings, it makes a sound.
He heard the school bell ring.
American English: ring
Brazilian Portuguese: soar
Chinese: 响铃
European Spanish: sonar
French: sonner
German: klingeln
Italian: suonare
Japanese: 鳴らす/鳴る
Korean: 전화하다
European Portuguese: soar
Latin American Spanish: sonar
All related terms of 'ring'
D-ring
a fastener, usually of metal, shaped like D , used as for attaching something to a garment , as a guide for laces or straps , or in pairs to form a closure , as on a belt
O-ring
a rubber ring used in machinery as a seal against oil, air, etc
ring in
If you ring in , you phone a place, such as the place where you work.
ring up
If a shop assistant rings up a sale on a cash register, he or she presses the keys in order to record the amount that is being spent .
balk ring
A balk ring is a rotating part of a gearbox that prevents the gears from engaging too early.
flan ring
See under flan (sense 2 )
gas ring
A gas ring is a metal device on top of a cooker or stove , where you can burn gas in order to cook food on it.
key ring
A key ring is a metal ring which you use to keep your keys together. You pass the ring through the holes in your keys.
nose ring
a ring fixed through the nose , as for leading a bull
pull-ring
a metal strip that must be pulled off the top of a can of drink or food in order to open it
ring back
If you ring someone back , you phone them either because they phoned you earlier and you were not there or because you did not finish an earlier phone conversation .
ring-dyke
a dyke having an approximately circular outcrop of rock
ring main
a domestic electrical supply in which outlet sockets are connected to the mains supply through a ring circuit
ring off
When you ring off , you put down the receiver at the end of a phone call .
ring out
If a sound rings out , it can be heard loudly and clearly .
ring-pull
A ring-pull is a metal strip that you pull off the top of a can of drink in order to open it.
ring road
A ring road is a road that goes round the edge of a town so that traffic does not have to go through the town centre.
ring rot
a virulent bacterial disease of potatoes occurring in the vascular ring of the potato tuber
ring tone
The ring tone is the sound made by a phone when it rings.
ring true
if a statement or a promise rings true, it seems to be true or sincere
seal ring
→ signet ring
slip ring
a metal ring , mounted on but insulated from a rotating shaft of a motor or generator , by means of which current can be led through stationary brushes into or out of a winding on the shaft
snap ring
a metal clip with a spring for attaching to a piton , belay , etc
spy ring
a group of spies operating covertly together
the ring
the sport of boxing
tree ring
→ annual ring
vice ring
a group of people involved in immoral illegal activities, esp pornography , prostitution, or drugs
web ring
A web ring is a set of related websites that you can visit one after the other.
anchor ring
a ring made from an iron bar of circular cross-section
annual ring
a ring of wood indicating one year's growth , seen in the transverse section of stems and roots of woody plants growing in temperate climates
boxing ring
A boxing ring is a raised square platform with ropes around it in which boxers fight .
brass ring
great success or a highly valued prize; also , an opportunity for this
dinner ring
a woman's ring set with a large stone or group of stones, worn on formal occasions
drugs ring
an organized group of people involved in drug dealing
fairy ring
a ring of dark luxuriant vegetation in grassy ground corresponding to the edge of an underground fungal mycelium : popularly associated with the dancing of fairies : seasonally marked by a ring of mushrooms
gimbal ring
a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope , compass , chronometer , etc
growth ring
a ring of wood indicating one year's growth , seen in the transverse section of stems and roots of woody plants growing in temperate climates
guard ring
an extra ring worn to prevent another from slipping off the finger
keeper ring
an extra ring worn to prevent another from slipping off the finger
napkin ring
A napkin ring is a ring-shaped object which is used to hold a rolled-up napkin.
onion ring
a slice of onion shaped into a ring and deep-fried in batter
piston ring
a split ring , usually made of cast iron , that fits into a groove on the rim of a piston to provide a spring-loaded seal against the cylinder wall
price ring
a group of traders formed to maintain the prices of their goods
prize ring
the enclosed area or ring used by prizefighters
ring around
ring binder
A ring binder is a file with hard covers , which you can insert pages into. The pages are held in by metal rings on a bar attached to the inside of the file.
ring false
to give the impression of being false
ring fence
To ring-fence a grant or fund means to put restrictions on it, so that it can only be used for a particular purpose.
ring finger
Your ring finger is the third finger of your left or right hand, without counting your thumb . In some countries , people wear a ring on this finger to show that they are engaged or married .
ring flash
a type of electronic flash in which the light source is arranged in a ring around the lens in order to produce a light without shadows
Chinese translation of 'ring'
ring
(rɪŋ)
Word forms:ptrang
Word forms:pprung
n(c)
(on finger) 戒指 (jièzhi) (枚, méi)
[of people, objects, light, smoke etc]圈 (quān)
[of spies, drug-dealers etc]团(團)伙 (tuánhuǒ)
(for boxing) 拳击(擊)台(臺) (quánjītái)
[of circus]马(馬)戏(戲)场(場) (mǎxìchǎng)
(bullring) 斗(鬥)牛场(場) (dòuniúchǎng)
(= sound of telephone, bell) 铃(鈴)声(聲) (língshēng)
(on cooker, esp Brit) 灶眼 (zàoyǎn)
vi
[bell]鸣(鳴)响(響) (míngxiǎng)
[telephone]响(響) (xiǎng)
(Brit, Tel, = call) 打电(電)话(話) (dǎ diànhuà)
美 = call
[voice, words, shot] (also ring out) 鸣(鳴)响(響) (míngxiǎng)
there was a ring at the door, the doorbell rang有人按门(門)铃(鈴) (yǒurén àn ménlíng)
to give sb a ring (Brit, Tel) 给(給)某人打电(電)话(話) (gěi mǒurén dǎ diànhuà)
that has a ring of truth about it那听(聽)上去是真的 (nà tīng shàngqù shì zhēn de)
to run rings (a)round sb (inf) 远(遠)远(遠)胜(勝)过(過)某人 (yuǎnyuǎn shèng guò mǒurén)
my ears are ringing我耳中嗡嗡作响(響) (wǒ ěr zhōng wēngwēng zuòxiǎng)
to ring true/false听(聽)起来(來)正确(確)/错(錯)误(誤) (tīng qǐlái zhèngquè/cuòwù)
All related terms of 'ring'
ring up
给(給) ... 打电(電)话(話) gěi ... dǎ diànhuà
key ring
钥(鑰)匙环(環) yàoshihuán [ 个(個) gè ]
ring off
挂(掛)断(斷)电(電)话(話) guàduàn diànhuà [ 美 = hang up ]
ring back
回电(電)话(話) huí diànhuà [ 美 = call back ]
ring road
环(環)路 huánlù [ 条(條) tiáo ] [ 美 = beltway ]
boxing ring
拳击(擊)台(臺) quánjītái [ 个(個) gè ]
ring binder
活页(頁)簿 huóyèbù [ 本 běn ]
ring-fence
使…专(專)门(門)用于 shǐ ... zhuānmén yòngyú
wedding ring
结(結)婚戒指 jiéhūn jièzhi [ 枚 méi ]
engagement ring
订(訂)婚戒指 dìnghūn jièzhǐ [ 枚 méi ]
to give sb a ring
( Brit : Tel ) 给(給)某人打电(電)话(話) gěi mǒurén dǎ diànhuà
to ring true/false
听(聽)起来(來)正确(確)/错(錯)误(誤) tīng qǐlái zhèngquè/cuòwù
that has a ring of truth about it
那听(聽)上去是真的 nà tīng shàngqù shì zhēn de
there was a ring at the door, the doorbell rang
有人按门(門)铃(鈴) yǒurén àn ménlíng
1 (noun)
Definition
a group of people or things standing or arranged in a circle
a ring of blue smoke
Synonyms
circle
The flag was red with a large white circle.
The monument consists of a circle of gigantic stones.
round
small fresh rounds of goat's cheese
band
circuit
She made a slow circuit of the room.
loop
She reached for a loop of garden hose.
hoop
For hand sewing, use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut.
halo
2 (noun)
Definition
a square raised platform, marked off by ropes, in which contestants box or wrestle
The fight continued in the ring.
Synonyms
arena
the largest indoor sports arena in the world
enclosure
This enclosure was so vast that the outermost wall could hardly be seen.
ground
the city's football ground
field
a football field
circus
rink
3 (noun)
Definition
a group of people, usually illegal, who control a specified market
investigation of an international crime ring
Synonyms
gang
an underworld gang
group
a radical group within the Communist Party
firm (slang)
The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.
association
the British Olympic Association
band
bands of government soldiers
cell
a spy cell of about three people
combine
organization
Most of the funds are provided by voluntary organizations.
circle
a small circle of friends
crew (informal)
a motley crew of college friends
knot
A little knot of men stood clapping.
mob
Can you stop your mob tramping all over the place?
syndicate
They formed a syndicate to buy the car.
cartel
junta
The military junta that had toppled the democratic government was ousted.
clique
The country is run by a small clique of wealthy families.
coterie
The songs he recorded were written by a small coterie of dedicated writers.
cabal
He had been chosen by a cabal of fellow senators.
(verb)
Definition
to put a ring round
The area is ringed by troops.
Synonyms
encircle
A forty-foot-high concrete wall encircles the jail.
surround
The church was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
enclose
The land was enclosed by an eight-foot wire fence.
encompass
Egypt is encompassed by the Mediterranean, Sudan, the Red Sea and Libya.
seal off
girdle
The old town centre is girdled by a boulevard lined with trees.
circumscribe
hem in
gird
a proposal to gird the river with a series of small hydroelectric dams
1 (verb)
Definition
to call (a person) by telephone
He rang me at my mother's.
Synonyms
phone
I got more and more angry as I waited for her to phone.
call
Will you call me as soon as you hear anything?
telephone
I had to telephone him to say I was sorry.
buzz (informal, mainly British)
She said she would buzz me later.
give someone a call
get on the phone to
give someone a bell (informal)
give someone a tinkle (informal)
reach
2 (verb)
Definition
to cause (a bell) to give out a ringing sound or (of a bell) to give out such a sound
He heard the school bell ring.
Synonyms
chime
The station clock chimed three o'clock.
sound
A silvery bell sounded somewhere.
toll
Church bells tolled and black flags fluttered.
resound
resonate
reverberate
clang
A little later the church bell clanged.
peal
The church bells pealed at the stroke of midnight.
3 (verb)
Definition
(of a building or place) to be filled with sound
The whole place was ringing with music.
Synonyms
reverberate
A woman's laughter reverberated in the courtyard.
echo
The rumble of thunder echoed through the valley.
resound
The soldiers' boots resounded in the street.
resonate
The bass guitar began to resonate in my head.
1 (noun)
Definition
a telephone call
We'll give him a ring as soon as we get back.
Synonyms
call
I got a call from him late last night.
phone call
buzz (informal, mainly British)
We'll give him a buzz when we get there.
tinkle
I'll give you a tinkle around five.
2 (noun)
Definition
a sound produced by or sounding like a bell
There was a ring of the bell.
Synonyms
chime
the chime of the station clock
toll
the insistent toll of the bell in the church tower
jingle
the jingle of money in a man's pocket
ding
tinkle
the icy tinkle of the bell as he entered
knell
the knell of a passing bell
peal
the great peals of the Abbey bells
dinging
phrasal verb
See ring something in
Usage note
Rang is the past tense of the verb ring, as in he rang the bell. Rung is the past participle, as in he has already rung the bell, and care should be taken not to use it as if it were a variant form of the past tense.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of association
Definition
a group of people with a common interest
the British Olympic Association
Synonyms
group,
company,
club,
order,
union,
class,
society,
league,
band,
set,
troop,
pack,
camp,
collection,
gathering,
organization,
circle,
corporation,
alliance,
coalition,
partnership,
federation,
bunch (informal),
formation,
faction,
cluster,
syndicate,
congregation,
batch,
confederation,
cooperative,
fraternity (US, Canadian),
affiliation,
posse (slang),
clique,
confederacy,
assemblage,
social network
in the sense of band
Definition
having legs curved outwards at the knees
bands of government soldiers
Synonyms
gang,
company,
group,
set,
party,
team,
lot,
club,
body,
association,
crowd,
troop,
pack,
camp,
squad,
crew (informal),
assembly,
mob,
horde,
troupe,
posse (informal),
clique,
coterie,
bevy
in the sense of buzz
She said she would buzz me later.
Synonyms
phone,
call,
telephone,
ring (up) (informal, British),
give someone a call,
give someone a ring (informal, British),
give someone a buzz (informal),
give someone a bell (British, slang),
give someone a tinkle (British, informal),
get on the blower to (informal)
Synonyms of 'ring'
ring
Explore 'ring' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of buzz
Definition
a telephone call
We'll give him a buzz when we get there.
Synonyms
ring,
call,
phone,
bell (informal),
tinkle (informal)
in the sense of cabal
Definition
a small group of political plotters
He had been chosen by a cabal of fellow senators.
Synonyms
clique,
set,
party,
league,
camp,
coalition,
faction,
caucus,
junta,
coterie,
schism,
confederacy,
conclave
in the sense of cell
Definition
a small group operating as the core of a larger organization
a spy cell of about three people
Synonyms
unit,
group,
section,
core,
nucleus,
caucus,
coterie
in the sense of circuit
Definition
a complete route or course, esp. one that is circular or that lies around an object
She made a slow circuit of the room.
Synonyms
lap,
round,
tour,
revolution,
orbit,
perambulation
in the sense of circumscribe
Definition
to draw a geometric figure around (another figure) so that the two are in contact but do not intersect
Synonyms
surround,
bound,
enclose,
encompass,
encircle,
mark off,
environ
in the sense of clang
Definition
to make a loud ringing noise, as metal does when it is struck
A little later the church bell clanged.
Synonyms
ring,
toll,
resound,
chime,
reverberate,
jangle,
clank,
bong,
clash
in the sense of clique
Definition
a small exclusive group of friends or associates
The country is run by a small clique of wealthy families.
Synonyms
group,
set,
crowd,
pack,
circle,
crew (informal),
gang,
faction,
mob,
clan,
posse (informal),
coterie,
schism,
cabal
in the sense of coterie
Definition
a small exclusive group of friends or people with common interests
The songs he recorded were written by a small coterie of dedicated writers.
Synonyms
clique,
group,
set,
camp,
circle,
gang,
outfit (informal),
posse (informal),
cabal
in the sense of crew
Definition
any group of people
a motley crew of college friends
Synonyms
crowd,
set,
lot,
bunch (informal),
band,
troop,
pack,
camp,
gang,
mob,
herd,
swarm,
company,
horde,
posse (informal),
assemblage
in the sense of echo
Definition
(of a place) to be filled with a sound and its echoes
The rumble of thunder echoed through the valley.
Synonyms
reverberate,
repeat,
resound,
ring,
resonate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of enclose
Definition
to surround completely
The land was enclosed by an eight-foot wire fence.
Synonyms
surround,
cover,
circle,
bound,
wrap,
fence,
pound,
pen,
hedge,
confine,
close in,
encompass,
wall in,
encircle,
encase,
fence in,
impound,
circumscribe,
hem in,
shut in,
environ
in the sense of enclosure
Definition
an area of land enclosed by a fence, wall, or hedge
This enclosure was so vast that the outermost wall could hardly be seen.
Synonyms
compound,
yard,
pen,
fold,
ring,
paddock,
pound,
coop,
sty,
stockade
in the sense of encompass
Definition
to enclose within a circle
Egypt is encompassed by the Mediterranean, Sudan, the Red Sea and Libya.
Synonyms
surround,
circle,
enclose,
close in,
envelop,
encircle,
fence in,
ring,
girdle,
circumscribe,
hem in,
shut in,
environ,
enwreath
in the sense of field
Definition
a marked off area on which sports or athletic competitions are held
a football field
Synonyms
pitch,
park,
ground,
arena
in the sense of firm
Definition
a business company
The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.
Synonyms
company,
business,
concern,
association,
organization,
house,
corporation,
venture,
enterprise,
partnership,
establishment,
undertaking,
outfit (informal),
consortium,
conglomerate
in the sense of gird
a proposal to gird the river with a series of small hydroelectric dams
Synonyms
surround,
ring,
pen,
enclose,
encompass,
encircle,
hem in,
enfold,
environ,
engird
in the sense of girdle
Definition
to surround
The old town centre is girdled by a boulevard lined with trees.
Synonyms
surround,
ring,
bound,
enclose,
encompass,
hem,
encircle,
fence in,
gird,
environ,
engird,
enwreath
in the sense of ground
Definition
an area used for a particular purpose
the city's football ground
Synonyms
arena,
pitch,
stadium,
park,
field,
enclosure
in the sense of group
Definition
a number of people or things considered as a unit
a radical group within the Communist Party
Synonyms
faction,
set,
camp,
clique,
coterie,
schism,
cabal
in the sense of hoop
Definition
a rigid circular band of metal, plastic, or wood
For hand sewing, use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut.
Synonyms
ring,
band,
loop,
wheel,
round,
girdle,
circlet
Additional synonyms
in the sense of jingle
Definition
a light ringing sound
the jingle of money in a man's pocket
Synonyms
rattle,
ringing,
tinkle,
clang,
clink,
reverberation,
clangour
in the sense of junta
Definition
a group of military officers holding the power in a country after a revolution
The military junta that had toppled the democratic government was ousted.
Synonyms
cabal,
council,
faction,
league,
set,
party,
ring,
camp,
crew (informal),
combination,
assembly,
gang,
clique,
coterie,
schism,
confederacy,
convocation (formal)
in the sense of knell
Definition
the sound of a bell rung to announce a death or a funeral
the knell of a passing bell
Synonyms
ring,
sound,
toll,
chime,
clang,
peal
in the sense of knot
Definition
a small cluster or huddled group
A little knot of men stood clapping.
Synonyms
group,
company,
set,
band,
crowd,
pack,
squad,
circle,
crew (informal),
gang,
mob,
clique,
assemblage
in the sense of loop
Definition
any round or oval-shaped thing that is closed or nearly closed
She reached for a loop of garden hose.
Synonyms
curve,
ring,
circle,
bend,
twist,
curl,
spiral,
hoop,
coil,
loophole,
twirl,
kink,
noose,
whorl,
eyelet,
convolution
in the sense of mob
Definition
any group of people
Can you stop your mob tramping all over the place?
Synonyms
gang,
company,
group,
set,
lot,
troop,
crew (informal)
in the sense of organization
Definition
an organized group of people, such as a club, society, union, or business
Most of the funds are provided by voluntary organizations.
Synonyms
group,
company,
party,
body,
concern,
league,
association,
band,
institution,
gathering,
circle,
corporation,
federation,
outfit (informal),
faction,
consortium,
syndicate,
combine,
congregation,
confederation
in the sense of peal
Definition
to sound with a peal or peals
The church bells pealed at the stroke of midnight.
Synonyms
ring,
sound,
toll,
resound,
chime,
resonate,
tintinnabulate
in the sense of peal
Definition
a long loud echoing sound, such as of bells or thunder
the great peals of the Abbey bells
Synonyms
ring,
sound,
ringing,
clamour,
chime,
clang,
carillon,
tintinnabulation
in the sense of resonate
Definition
to resound or cause to resound
The bass guitar began to resonate in my head.
Synonyms
reverberate,
echo,
resound,
vibrate,
pulsate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of resound
Definition
(of sounds) to echo or ring
The soldiers' boots resounded in the street.
Synonyms
echo,
resonate,
reverberate,
fill the air,
re-echo
in the sense of round
Definition
a round shape or object
small fresh rounds of goat's cheese
Synonyms
sphere,
ball,
band,
ring,
circle,
disc,
globe,
orb
in the sense of sound
Definition
to make or cause (an instrument, etc.) to make a sound
A silvery bell sounded somewhere.
Synonyms
resound,
echo,
go off,
toll,
set off,
chime,
resonate,
reverberate,
ding,
clang,
peal
in the sense of surround
Definition
to encircle or enclose (something or someone)
The church was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
Synonyms
enclose,
ring,
encircle,
encompass,
envelop,
close in on,
fence in,
girdle,
hem in,
environ,
enwreath
in the sense of syndicate
Definition
a group of people or firms organized to undertake a joint project
They formed a syndicate to buy the car.
Synonyms
group,
league,
association,
company,
body,
concern,
institution,
organization,
corporation,
federation,
outfit (informal),
consortium,
confederation
in the sense of telephone
Definition
to call or talk to (a person) by telephone
I had to telephone him to say I was sorry.
Synonyms
call,
phone,
ring (British),
buzz (informal),
dial,
call up,
give someone a call,
give someone a ring (informal, British),
give someone a buzz (informal),
give someone a bell (British, slang),
put a call through to,
give someone a tinkle (British, informal),
get on the blower to (informal)
in the sense of tinkle
Definition
a telephone call
I'll give you a tinkle around five.
Synonyms
call,
ring (British, informal),
buzz (informal),
bell (British, informal),
phone call,
telephone call
in the sense of tinkle
Definition
a high clear ringing sound
the icy tinkle of the bell as he entered
Synonyms
ring,
chime,
jingle,
ping,
ding,
jangle,
chink,
peal,
clink
in the sense of toll
Definition
to ring (a bell) slowly and regularly
Church bells tolled and black flags fluttered.
Synonyms
ring,
sound,
strike,
chime,
knell,
clang,
peal
in the sense of toll
Definition
the slow regular ringing of a bell
the insistent toll of the bell in the church tower