Basic+ Word of the Day: ring

ring (noun, verb) past tense: rang

A ring is a circular band, usually of gold or another metal, worn on the finger.

• Marie's engagement ring had an emerald and two small diamonds.
• George wore the class ring that he got when he graduated from the university.

A ring can be something shaped like a ring.

• The children held hands and danced in a ring.
• The cigar smoker blew smoke rings.

Ring also means ‘to make a loud echoing sound as that of a bell.’

• Someone is ringing the doorbell. Would you please answer it?
• The church bells ring before Sunday mass.

Common uses

give someone a ring: to call someone on the telephone. Example: “I don’t know if we can come to your party, but I’ll give you a ring as soon as I know.”

Did you know?

A boxing ring is the space where a boxing (fighting with padded gloves) match takes place. Modern boxing rings are square, but we still call them rings because in the past, people fought inside a circle drawn on the ground.

In pop culture

Listen to Johnny Cash sing “Ring of Fire.” This song compares love to a ring of fire. Do you think that is a good comparison?

There are other meanings of ring.