# bong

/ˈbɑŋ/ (US) · /bˈɒŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bong
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. smoking device

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

a water pipe used for smoking drugs, especially cannabis.

For teachers: a filtration device, typically glass or ceramic, used for smoking cannabis or other substances by passing smoke through water.

- The police found a glass bong and some dried leaves in the back of the van.
- The shop specialized in hand-blown glass bongs and other paraphernalia, catering to a growing local subculture.

Usage: Usually a countable noun.

### 2. sound of a bell

noun · CEFR B2

the deep, loud ringing sound made by a large bell.

For teachers: the resonant, low-frequency sound produced by the striking of a large bell.

- We heard the loud bong of the clock tower striking midnight.
- The deep bong of the cathedral bell echoed through the narrow streets, signaling the start of the morning service.

### 3. to ring loudly

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to make a deep ringing sound like a bell.

For teachers: to emit a deep, resonant sound characteristic of a large bell being struck.

- The old clock started to bong as soon as the sun went down.
- The heavy iron bell began to bong rhythmically, its vibrations felt by the crowd gathered in the square below.

Usage: Often used intransitively to describe the action of a clock or bell.

## Examples

- He passed the bong around the room.
- They sat on the porch, passing the bong between them while watching the sunset.
- The intricate glasswork of the bong served as both a functional smoking device and a centerpiece of the eclectic living room decor.

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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.