noun
Uncommon
ping
pihng
Ping (noun) means a short, high-pitched sound, or (in computing) a small network signal used to check if a device is reachable. Example: “The elevator gave a soft ping as it reached the floor.”
noun
1
A short, high-pitched sound, or (in computing) a small network signal used to check if a device is reachable.
"The elevator gave a soft ping as it reached the floor."
"I sent a ping to the server to check if it was online."
"My phone gave a ping every time a new message arrived."
verb
1
To send a brief message to someone, often to check in or get their attention.
"Ping me when you land at the airport."
"She pinged her coworker on the chat app for a quick answer."
"I'll ping you the details as soon as the meeting ends."
How to use ping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, sharp sound or signal — or, informally, a quick message sent to someone.
Common pairings
ping someone
send a ping
network ping
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Word forms
- Plural
- pings
- Third person singular
- pings
- Past tense
- pinged, pang, pung
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The elevator gave a soft _____ as it reached the floor.
Etymology
Originally imitative of a short, sharp sound; the computing sense comes from the ping network utility, itself named for sonar pings.
Related words
Rhymes for ping
See all rhymes for ping →Frequently asked questions
What does “ping” mean?
The word “ping” means a short, high-pitched sound, or (in computing) a small network signal used to check if a device is reachable. In plain terms, a short, sharp sound or signal — or, informally, a quick message sent to someone.
How do you pronounce “ping”?
“Ping” is pronounced pihng (/pɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ping” in a sentence?
Here is “ping” used in a sentence: “The elevator gave a soft ping as it reached the floor.”
What part of speech is “ping”?
Depending on how it is used, “ping” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “ping” a common word?
“Ping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ping” have?
“Ping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, high-pitched sound, or (in computing) a small network signal used to check if a device is reachable.
What does "ping" mean in computing?
In computing, a ping is a small network signal sent to another device to check whether it is reachable and how quickly it responds. It's commonly used to test internet connections or diagnose network problems.
What does it mean to "ping" someone informally?
To ping someone informally means to send them a brief message, such as a text or chat notification, often just to check in or get their attention. It implies a quick, low-effort contact rather than a lengthy conversation.
Is "ping" appropriate in formal writing?
Using ping to mean sending a message is informal and works well in casual emails or workplace chat, but it's generally avoided in formal documents or professional correspondence. In formal contexts, "contact," "notify," or "message" are safer choices.
