Definition

1. Noun:

   • A percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate: A "gong" is a large, flat, circular metal disc that produces a resonant, often deep and vibrating sound when struck with a mallet or drumstick.
   • A percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells: In some contexts, "gong" can also refer to a set of tuned bells struck with a hammer, used as an orchestral instrument.

2. Verb:

   • To sound a gong: To cause a gong to make its characteristic sound by striking it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The deep sound of the gong signaled the beginning of the ceremony.
  • The orchestra includes a large tam-tam gong in its percussion section.

• Verb:

  • The butler will gong to announce dinner.
  • Please gong once to gather everyone's attention.

Advanced Usage

• "To gong someone/something off": In British informal usage, to signal the removal of a poor performer from a stage by sounding a gong, as in some television shows.
  • The unpopular comedian was gonged off the stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Gonged (verb, past tense): The state of having sounded a gong.
  • He gonged the instrument three times.
• Gonging (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of sounding a gong.
  • The constant gonging was giving me a headache.

Synonyms

• Tam-tam: A specific type of large, flat gong with an indefinite pitch.
• Bell: A hollow metal object, often cup-shaped, that rings when struck. (Note: While related, a bell is typically cup-shaped and has a clapper inside, whereas a gong is flat and struck externally.)

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Gong off: To signal the end or dismissal of something, especially a performance, by striking a gong. (See "Advanced Usage" above).

Related Idioms

• A gong show: An idiom originating from a television show, meaning a chaotic, ridiculous, or poorly managed situation or event.
  • The project meeting was a complete gong show with no one in agreement.

Noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument
2. a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick

Verb

1. sound a gong