What does wring mean?
Wring is a forceful verb meaning to twist or squeeze something, usually with the intention of extracting liquid. A cloth, garment, or sponge can be wrung out, while a person may wring water from wet clothing or wring one’s hands in anxiety, frustration, or guilt. Figurative uses extend the word’s sense of forceful pressure: someone may wring information or a confession from another person, suggesting determined questioning that may border on coercion. The word is standard in both British and American English and appears in ordinary conversation as well as in formal and literary writing. Although chiefly a verb, wring is also recorded as a rare noun denoting an act or instance of wringing. Its compact sound and strong physical imagery make it especially effective when an action feels strenuous, urgent, or emotionally charged.
To twist or squeeze something forcibly, especially so as to extract liquid; by extension, to obtain something through persistent pressure.
"He wrung the towel until it was almost dry."
The physical use often implies considerable pressure. Figurative uses suggest intense effort, interrogation, or emotional strain.
An act or instance of twisting or squeezing something, especially to extract liquid.
"She gave the wet clothes a vigorous wring."
The noun is uncommon compared with the verb and is chiefly recorded in formal or literary usage.
The plural is possible but uncommon; the noun is often used in the singular or as a mass noun for the action.
"After several wrings, the cloth was nearly dry."
Wring is an irregular verb with a perfectly regular-looking past tense: both its past tense and past participle are “wrung.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wring come from?
Wring developed from Old English wringan, an Old English verb meaning “to twist” or “squeeze.” It belongs to a Germanic family that included Old Norse vrengja and modern German ringen, and it is also related to wrangle. The word ultimately traces to an Indo-European root associated with turning or twisting.
Related word forms
How wring is actually used
The verb is commonly concrete and physical, but it can also describe persistent verbal or psychological pressure. Its figurative uses tend to suggest effort, coercion, or emotional tension.
Easily confused with wring
Wring means to twist or squeeze something, while ring means to encircle something or make a ringing sound.