# gong

/ˈɡɔŋ/ (US) · /ɡˈɒŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gong
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. percussion instrument

noun · CEFR B1

a large, flat metal disc that you hit with a soft hammer to make a loud, deep sound.

For teachers: a percussion instrument consisting of a suspended metal disc that produces a resonant, low-pitched sound when struck with a mallet.

- The monk struck the gong to signal that it was time for the morning prayer.
- The orchestral piece reached its climax with a single, thunderous stroke of the gong that echoed through the concert hall.

### 2. medal or award

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

a medal or a special honour given to someone for their work or bravery.

For teachers: a medal, decoration, or similar honour bestowed upon an individual, often specifically referring to a knighthood.

- The retired general has a chest full of gongs from his years of service.
- After decades of charitable work, the local businessman was surprised to find his name on the list for a gong in the New Year Honours.

### 3. Wollongong

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Informal

a short name for the city of Wollongong in Australia.

For teachers: a colloquial clipping for the city of Wollongong, New South Wales.

- We are planning to drive down to the Gong for the weekend to see the beach.
- Locals often refer to the city simply as the Gong, a term of endearment that reflects the region's distinct coastal identity.

### 4. to make a ringing sound

verb · CEFR B2

to make a deep, ringing sound like a gong being hit.

For teachers: to emit a resonant, metallic sound characteristic of a gong; to strike a gong to signal an event.

- The clock in the hallway gongs every hour, letting everyone know the time.
- The heavy iron bell gongs across the valley, its deep vibrations carrying for miles in the still morning air.

## Examples

- The monk hit the gong to start the morning meditation.
- The dinner gong echoed through the large house, letting all the guests know that the meal was served.
- The composer used a massive bronze gong to create a sense of impending doom during the final movement of the symphony.

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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.