ring

/rɪŋ/
noun
  1. A small circular band, typically made of metal, worn on a finger as jewelry or a symbol.
    • The ring was too big and kept slipping off her finger.
    • He gave her a diamond ring for their anniversary.
    • She wore a gold wedding ring on her left hand.
  2. A circular object, shape, or mark.
    • The children sat in a ring on the floor for story time.
    • The coffee cup left a ring on the wooden table.
    • A ring of smoke rose from the chimney.
  3. A group of people or things arranged in a circle.
    • The trees grew in a natural ring in the meadow.
    • The dancers formed a ring around the bonfire.
    • A ring of security guards surrounded the building.
  4. An enclosed area for performances, sports, or contests, such as a boxing ring or circus ring.
    • The boxer stepped into the ring to face his opponent.
    • The referee raised his hand in the center of the ring.
    • The circus ring was filled with acrobats and clowns.
  5. A group of people involved in a secret or illegal activity.
    • The spy ring was discovered after years of surveillance.
    • A smuggling ring was caught bringing goods across the border.
    • The police broke up a drug ring operating in the city.
verb
  1. To make a clear, resonant sound, like a bell.
    • His alarm clock rang at six o'clock sharp.
    • The church bells ring every Sunday morning.
    • The phone rang three times before she answered.
  2. To call someone on the telephone.
    • She rang her mother to wish her a happy birthday.
    • He rang the doctor's office to make an appointment.
    • I'll ring you tomorrow to confirm the plans.
  3. To surround or encircle something.
    • The mountains ring the valley on all sides.
    • A fence rings the property to keep animals out.
    • Protesters ringed the government building.
  4. To sound or seem a particular way (often used with 'true' or 'false').
    • His excuse didn't ring true to me.
    • The story rings false when you look at the facts.
    • Her words ring with sincerity.