# bang around

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bang-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move from place to place while making a lot of loud noise.

For teachers: to move about a space in a noisy, clumsy, or energetic manner, typically by striking objects or surfaces.

## Examples

- The kids are banging around in the kitchen.
- I could hear my roommate banging around the apartment early this morning while he was looking for his keys.
- The old pipes began to bang around inside the walls as soon as the heating system was activated for the winter.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was banging around the furniture." but "He was banging into the furniture." — to 'bang around' describes general noisy movement in a space, whereas 'bang into' describes hitting a specific object.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'in' or 'the' followed by a room or building.
- Teaching tip: this is an intransitive phrasal verb that emphasizes the auditory aspect of movement; it is more specific than 'move' and less purposeful than 'search'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.