rings Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
   
   • the rings require a strong upper body
2. noun a characteristic sound
   ring.
   
   • it has the ring of sincerity
3. noun a toroidal shape
   annulus; ring; anchor ring; doughnut; halo.
   
   • a ring of ships in the harbor
   • a halo of smoke
4. noun a rigid circular band of metal or wood or other material used for holding or fastening or hanging or pulling
   hoop; ring.
   
   • there was still a rusty iron hoop for tying a horse
5. noun (chemistry) a chain of atoms in a molecule that forms a closed loop
   ring; closed chain.
   
6. noun an association of criminals
   mob; ring; gang; pack.
   
   • police tried to break up the gang
   • a pack of thieves
7. noun the sound of a bell ringing
   tintinnabulation; ring; ringing.
   
   • the distinctive ring of the church bell
   • the ringing of the telephone
   • the tintinnabulation that so voluminously swells from the ringing and the dinging of the bells"--E. A. Poe
8. noun a platform usually marked off by ropes in which contestants box or wrestle
   ring.
   
9. noun jewelry consisting of a circlet of precious metal (often set with jewels) worn on the finger
   band; ring.
   
   • she had rings on every finger
   • he noted that she wore a wedding band
10. noun a strip of material attached to the leg of a bird to identify it (as in studies of bird migration)
    band; ring.
    
11. verb sound loudly and sonorously
    ring; peal.
    
    • the bells rang
12. verb ring or echo with sound
    reverberate; ring; echo; resound.
    
    • the hall resounded with laughter
13. verb make (bells) ring, often for the purposes of musical edification
    ring; knell.
    
    • Ring the bells
    • My uncle rings every Sunday at the local church
14. verb get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone
    phone; ring; call; telephone; call up.
    
    • I tried to call you all night
    • Take two aspirin and call me in the morning
15. verb extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
    skirt; ring; border; environ; surround.
    
    • The forest surrounds my property
16. verb attach a ring to the foot of, in order to identify
    band; ring.
    
    • ring birds
    • band the geese to observe their migratory patterns

WordNet