gong

noun

ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
Synonyms of gongnext
1
: a disk-shaped percussion instrument that produces a resounding tone when struck with a usually padded hammer
2
a
: a saucer-shaped bell (as in a fire alarm) that is struck by a mechanical hammer
b
: a wire rod wound in a flat spiral for sounding the time or chime or alarm (as in a clock)
3
British : medal
gong intransitive verb

Examples of gong in a Sentence

They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seasonal add-ons include Friday evening sound baths conducted with gongs and rain sticks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026 Requiring 10 speakers, five reel-to-reel machines, and a massive gong, World Rhythms is an ambitious project whose performances involve real-time audio-level changes. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 The Japanese quartet take Ra’s skein of electronic noise as a starting point, wrapping it in a sizzling no wave funk beat, vocals that veer between incantatory and goofy, and bewitching mandalas of chimes and gongs. Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026 From custom percussion rigs and tuned bells to waterphones, gongs, and even a 1920s trumpet from his father, Copeland has turned the space into a living laboratory of sound. Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gong

Word History

Etymology

Malay & Javanese, of imitative origin

First Known Use

circa 1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gong was circa 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gong. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

gong

noun
ˈgäŋ How to pronounce gong (audio)
ˈgȯŋ
1
: a metallic disk that makes a deep ringing sound when struck
2
: a flat saucer-shaped bell

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