ping

Definition

A high-pitched, short and somewhat sharp sound.

Etymology

Partly onomatopoeic, and partly continuing Middle English pingen (“to push, shove, pierce, stab, prod, goad, urge, feel remorse, incite”), from Old English pyngan (“to prick”), in turn likely from pungere. Compare English pang.

Example Sentences

• "My car used to make an odd ping, but after the last oil change it went away."
• "With a sudden ping, there was a rabbit there in the black labyrinth with him[.]"
• "The submarine sent out a ping and got an echo from a battleship."