zing

UK: /ˈzɪŋ/ US: /zɪŋ/ ,(zing)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

zing /zɪŋ/   n. 

1. [countable] a sharp, whining noise, as of a bullet passing through the air.
2. liveliness, vitality, or zest:
   [uncountable] Try to put some zing into your performance.

v. 

3. to (cause to) move or proceed with a sharp singing or whining noise: [no object]
   Bullets went zinging through the air.
   [~ + object]
   zinged an arrow at the target.
4. Slang Terms [~ + object] to criticize in a clever or pointed manner.

zing•y, adj., -i•er, -i•est. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

zing  (zing), n. 

1. vitality, animation, or zest.
2. a quality or characteristic that excites the interest, enthusiasm, etc.:
   a tourist town with lots of zing.
3. a sharp singing or whining noise, as of a bullet passing through the air.

v.i. 

4. to move or proceed with a sharp singing or whining noise:
   The cars zinged down the highway.
5. to move or proceed with speed or vitality;
   zip.

v.t. 

6. to cause to move with or as with a sharp, singing or whining noise:
   The pitcher zinged a slider right over the plate.
7. Slang Terms to blame or criticize severely:
   City Hall always gets zinged when crime increases.

• imitative 1910–15

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

zing / zɪŋ/ noun

1. a short high-pitched buzzing sound, as of a bullet or vibrating string
2. vitality; zest

verb

1. (intransitive) to make or move with or as if with a high-pitched buzzing sound

Etymology: 20th Century: of imitative origin