Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sharp, high-pitched, resonant sound: A short, metallic ringing sound, often produced by a bullet striking metal, a sonar echo, or a similar impact.
   • A network utility command: In computing, a signal sent to a network device to test its reachability and measure the round-trip time for a response.

2. Verb:

   • To make a sharp, high-pitched sound: To produce a short, ringing noise.
   • To test network connectivity: To send a test message (a "ping") from one computer to another to check if the target device is active and responsive on a network.
   • To contact briefly, typically as a reminder: To get in touch with someone, often in a quick, informal, or digital manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We heard the ping of a bullet hitting the armor plate.
  • The server's response time was measured by sending a ping.

• Verb:

  • The bullet pinged off the car's fender.
  • Please ping the server to see if it's online.
  • I'll ping you tomorrow to confirm the meeting time.

Advanced Usage

• "Ping a server": To send a network test packet to a server.

  • The technician will ping the server to diagnose the connection issue.

• "Ping someone" (informal/colloquial): To send someone a quick message, email, or notification.

  • Can you ping the team with the updated schedule?

Variants and Related Words

• Pinger (n): A device or program that sends out pings.

  • The submarine's pinger helped locate the wreckage.

• Pingable (adj): Describing a network device that can be reached and will respond to a ping.

  • Make sure the host is pingable from the external network.

Synonyms

• Ring: To make a clear, resonant sound.
• Chime: To make a ringing sound, often melodious.
• Contact: To get in touch with someone.
• Probe: To test or investigate (in a computing/networking context).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Ping back: To reply quickly to a message or signal.

  • He pinged back with an answer within minutes.

• Ping off: To rebound with a pinging sound.

  • The hail pinged off the metal roof.

Related Idioms

• On ping: (Informal, tech context) Responsive and active on a network.

  • The host has been on ping all day without any drops.

• Ping-pong (Note: This is a distinct compound word for the sport/activity of table tennis, but conceptually related to the back-and-forth action).

  • The idea ping-ponged between the departments for weeks before a decision was made. (This usage is metaphorical, implying rapid back-and-forth exchange).

Noun

1. a sharp high-pitched resonant sound (as of a sonar echo or a bullet striking metal)
2. a river in western Thailand; a major tributary of the Chao Phraya

Verb

1. send a message from one computer to another to check whether it is reachable and active
   • ping your machine in the office
2. contact, usually in order to remind of something
   • I'll ping my accountant--April 15 is nearing
3. make a short high-pitched sound
   • the bullet pinged when they struck the car
4. sound like a car engine that is firing too early
   • the car pinged when I put in low-octane gasoline
   • The car pinked when the ignition was too far retarded
5. hit with a pinging noise
   • The bugs pinged the lamp shade