English Reference
noun · verb · adverb · interjection

bang

n. · v. · adv. · interj.
US /ˈbæŋ/ UK /bˈæŋ/ bang

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a sudden, loud noise like a gun firing or a door slamming.

    n.a sudden percussive sound, typically resulting from an impact or explosion.

    Simple

    The door closed with a loud bang that woke up the baby.

    In context

    The silence of the night was shattered by a sudden bang from the engine room, signaling a mechanical failure.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a feeling of excitement or pleasure.

    n.a sudden feeling of excitement, pleasure, or a thrill; often used in the phrase 'get a bang out of'.

    Simple

    He really gets a bang out of riding his motorcycle on the open road.

    In context

    Despite her years of experience, she still gets a bang out of seeing her name in the opening credits of a major film.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    n.a very informal and sometimes rude word for having sex.

    n.an act of sexual intercourse; vulgar in register and typically avoided in polite or professional contexts.

    Simple

    The movie was full of cheap jokes about having a quick bang.

    In context

    The script was criticized for its reliance on crude humor and casual references to a bang, which many felt detracted from the plot.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to hit something hard or make a loud noise by hitting something.

    v.to strike an object forcefully, often producing a loud, resonant sound.

    Simple

    Stop banging on the table with your spoon.

    In context

    The protesters began to bang their drums in unison, creating a rhythmic wall of sound that echoed through the square.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Slang Music

    v.to be very good or impressive, especially music.

    v.to be of exceptionally high quality or energy; frequently used to describe music with a strong, appealing beat.

    Simple

    This new track really bangs; turn the volume up.

    In context

    The DJ played a series of tracks that absolutely banged, keeping the energy on the dance floor at a peak for hours.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    adv.exactly, directly, or right in a certain place.

    adv.precisely or directly; used to emphasize the exactness of a position or time.

    Simple

    The arrow landed bang in the middle of the target.

    In context

    The delivery arrived bang on time, just as the meeting was about to commence.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    interj.a word used to describe a sudden noise or a sudden change.

    interj.used to represent a sudden loud noise or to indicate that something happened very quickly and unexpectedly.

    Simple

    I was walking along and then, bang, the lights went out.

    In context

    He was leading the race until the final corner and then, bang, his tire blew out and he was finished.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated