What does ringing mean?
“Ringing” describes a sound that is clear, loud, resonant, or difficult to ignore, and it can also be used figuratively to characterize a voice, achievement, or endorsement as unmistakable and emphatic. As a noun, it denotes the sound made by a bell, telephone, or similar device; in British English, it can also mean a telephone call. As a participial verb form, it can describe the act of producing that sound, telephoning someone, or experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears. The word is especially useful because it works literally and figuratively: a voice may be ringing, an alarm may be ringing, and an opinion may receive ringing endorsement. Its associations with bells and telephones also make it immediately recognizable, while phrases such as “ringing ears” describe a distinctive physical sensation.
Clear, resonant, loud, or unmistakable in sound or quality.
"The minister delivered a ringing defense of the policy."
Frequently used figuratively for voices, achievements, approval, and other emphatic qualities.
The sound produced by a bell, telephone, or similar device; in British English, a telephone call.
"There was a ringing at the door."
The telephone-call sense is especially common in British English.
Making a clear resonant sound, telephoning someone, or experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears.
"The church bells were ringing throughout the morning."
This is the present participle of “ring” and is commonly used in continuous tenses.
Usually used uncountably for the sound or process; the plural is uncommon but can distinguish separate instances, especially calls.
"The audience answered with three sustained ringings of applause."
One small word can describe a bell’s voice, a telephone’s demand, and the unmistakable clarity of a voice or opinion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ringing come from?
The word comes from Old English “hringan,” an imitative Germanic verb associated with the sound of a bell or metal object. Its relatives include Dutch “ringen,” German “ringen,” and Swedish “ringa,” all reflecting the same sound-based history. In modern English, “ringing” developed both verbal and adjectival uses and eventually acquired figurative meanings associated with clarity, resonance, and emphasis.
Related word forms
How ringing is actually used
The adjective is often figurative, as in “a ringing endorsement.” The telephone-call sense of the noun is especially common in British English; North American speakers more often say “phone call.” As a verb form, “ringing” can also describe a persistent sound in the ears.
Easily confused with ringing
“Rung” is the past participle of “ring,” whereas “ringing” is the present participle and gerund form.