ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bong

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɑŋ// UK //bˈɒŋ// bong Informal Slang Vulgar

n. a glass pipe used for smoking cannabis. You use this word when talking about the specific device, not just the act of smoking.

n. a water pipe used for smoking cannabis, consisting of a bowl, a chamber filled with water, and a mouthpiece. Informal register; widely used in general conversation.


SIMPLE

He passed the bong around the room.

CONTEXTUAL

They sat on the porch, passing the bong between them while watching the sunset.

COMPLEX

The intricate glasswork of the bong served as both a functional smoking device and a centerpiece of the eclectic living room decor.

Etymology 1

Onomatopoeic.

Etymology 2

From Thai บ้อง (bɔ̂ng, “a marijuana pipe”). First use in English appears c. 1971 in the publication Marijuana Review.

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