# zing

/ˈzɪŋ/ (US) · /zˈɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zing
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a sharp, exciting, or surprising quality that makes something more interesting. You use it to describe something that has a lot of energy or a clever twist.

For teachers: a sharp, pungent, or exciting quality; a sudden burst of energy or cleverness. Informal in register; frequently used in culinary or creative contexts to describe a refreshing or unexpected element.

## Examples

- The lemon juice gives the salad a nice zing.
- The comedian's new routine has a zing that keeps the audience laughing from start to finish.
- While the plot is predictable, the script provides a zing through its witty dialogue and sharp character interactions that elevate the entire production.

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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.