ring
rihng
Ring (noun) means a small circular band, often worn on a finger as jewelry. Example: “She slipped the silver ring onto her finger and smiled.”
noun
1
A small circular band, often worn on a finger as jewelry.
"She slipped the silver ring onto her finger and smiled."
"He proposed with a diamond ring."
"She twisted her wedding ring nervously."
2
A roughly circular arrangement or shape, or an enclosed area used for a contest such as boxing.
"Mushrooms had sprung up in a perfect ring on the lawn."
"The children stood in a ring around the fire."
"The boxers touched gloves before the bell rang for the ring."
verb
1
To make a clear, resonant sound, as a bell does; also, to telephone someone.
"Please ring the doorbell twice so we know it's you."
"The church bells rang out across the village."
"I'll ring you later to confirm the plan."
How to use ring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA circular band or shape, or the sound a bell makes, or (informally, mainly UK) to phone someone.
UK vs US
"Ring someone" (meaning to call them on the phone) is common in British English; American English usually says "call."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wedding ring
boxing ring
ring a bell
ring someone up
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Word forms
- Plural
- rings
- Third person singular
- rings
- Past tense
- ringed, rang, rung
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She slipped the silver _____ onto her finger and smiled.
Etymology
From Old English hring, meaning a circle or ring, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to turn or bend."
Related words
Rhymes for ring
See all rhymes for ring →Frequently asked questions
What does “ring” mean?
The word “ring” means a small circular band, often worn on a finger as jewelry. In plain terms, a circular band or shape, or the sound a bell makes, or (informally, mainly UK) to phone someone.
How do you pronounce “ring”?
“Ring” is pronounced rihng (/ɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ring” in a sentence?
Here is “ring” used in a sentence: “He proposed with a diamond ring.”
What part of speech is “ring”?
Depending on how it is used, “ring” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ring” come from?
The word “ring” comes from Old English. From Old English hring, meaning a circle or ring, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to turn or bend.".
Is “ring” a common word?
“Ring” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “ring” have?
“Ring” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small circular band, often worn on a finger as jewelry.
What are the types of rings?
Common finger rings include engagement rings, wedding bands, signet rings, class rings, and simple fashion or stacking rings. They vary by material, such as gold, silver, or platinum, and by whether they hold a gemstone like a diamond. Each type carries its own meaning or purpose.
What is the difference between a ring and a band?
A ring is any circular band worn on the finger, often set with a stone. A "band" usually means a plain, unadorned ring, like a classic wedding band. So every band is a ring, but not every ring is a plain band.
What does a ring symbolize?
Rings often symbolize commitment, unity, and love, which is why they mark engagements and weddings, since the unbroken circle suggests eternity. They can also signal status, achievement, or belonging, as with signet rings, class rings, and championship rings.
What finger do you wear a ring on?
By common Western tradition, engagement and wedding rings go on the fourth finger of the left hand, known as the ring finger. Other rings may be worn on any finger, and customs vary widely from one culture and country to another.
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