What does pinging mean?
Pinging most commonly means sending an electronic signal to another computer or network to check whether it is available and to measure how long the response takes. It can also describe a short, sharp ringing sound, such as one made by a metal object striking a hard surface. In informal communication, “pinging” someone may mean contacting them briefly by email, message, or notification, usually to remind them of something or request a response. The computing sense developed from the idea of a signal travelling to a target and returning, much as an audible ping reflects sound. Together, the senses share an emphasis on a brief signal: one that either tests for a response or makes a small, distinct sound.
To make a short, sharp ringing sound.
"The glass pinging against the sink made her nervous."
The sound described is usually clear, metallic, or bell-like.
To send a small electronic signal to a computer or network to test whether it is reachable or to measure its response time.
"The script pings each host before starting the data transfer."
Common in computing, networking, and systems administration.
To contact someone briefly, especially by email, message, or notification.
"I pinged Alex about the missing report."
Informal; often used when sending a brief reminder or checking for a response.
Every time you test whether a website is alive, you are pinging it: a tiny signal sent out and expected to return.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pinging come from?
The word derives from “ping,” a 19th-century word formed in imitation of the sharp ringing sound made by a struck metal object. In computing, the same sound-like name was applied to small network-testing signals, whose replies provided a measurable round-trip time. The informal verb meaning “contact briefly” developed later by extension of the computing metaphor.
Related word forms
How pinging is actually used
The computing sense is common in technical and workplace settings. The contact sense is informal and may suggest a brief reminder or attempt to get a response.
Easily confused with pinging
“Ping” names the sound, electronic signal, or diagnostic message itself, whereas “pinging” describes the act of making the sound or sending the signal.