Definition

Verb (intransitive) To sound loudly and clearly, often suddenly and resonantly, typically describing a noise that cuts through other sounds or fills a space. It implies a sharp, distinct, and often prolonged auditory impact.

Usage

The verb "ring out" is used to describe a loud, clear sound—like that of a bell, gunshot, shout, or cheer—that is emitted and heard distinctly. It often conveys a sense of the sound spreading through an area. It is primarily used in its past tense form ("rang out") in narratives and descriptions.

Examples

• A single gunshot rang out in the quiet night.
• Cheers rang out from the crowd as the winner crossed the finish line.
• The church bells ring out every Sunday morning.
• A cry of pain rang out from the injured player on the field.

Advanced Usage

• To ring out the old (year), ring in the new: This is a fixed idiomatic phrase related to bells marking the transition from December 31st to January 1st. While it uses the words "ring out," it functions as a set phrase. The core meaning of "ring out" here is still to produce a loud, resonant sound (of bells).
  • We gathered to ring out the old year and welcome the new one.

Variants and Related Words

• Ring (verb): To make a clear, resonant sound. ("The telephone rings.")
• Resound (verb): To be filled with sound; to echo. ("The hall resounded with applause.")
• Peal (verb): To sound loudly and sonorously, especially applied to bells or thunder. ("The bells pealed joyfully.")

Synonyms

Echo, resound, peal, reverberate, sound loudly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Ring out (for someone/something): This is a less common, separate phrasal verb meaning to make a telephone call to a place, typically over a distance. It is not the primary meaning defined above.
  • I'll ring out for a pizza. (I'll call to order a pizza from an outside restaurant.)

Related Idioms

• "Ring out the old, ring in the new": As noted in Advanced Usage, this idiom specifically refers to the tradition of using bells to mark the end of one year and the beginning of the next. It symbolizes farewell and welcome.

Verb

1. sound loudly
   • a shot rang out