zing

1 of 2

noun

1
: a shrill humming noise
2
a
: an enjoyably exciting or stimulating quality : zest
really put some zing into this industryErwin Fine
b
: a sharply piquant flavor
barbecue sauce with zing

zing

2 of 2

verb

zinged; zinging; zings

intransitive verb

1
: to make or move with a humming sound
2
: zip, speed

transitive verb

1
: to hit suddenly : zap
2
: to criticize in a pointed or witty manner

Examples of zing in a Sentence

Noun They needed to put some zing back into their relationship. The chili peppers give the sauce a little extra zing. Verb The comics spent the evening cracking jokes and zinging each other. His opponent has run television ads zinging him.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Notes of patchouli add a hint of spice, lemon a fresh zing, cassis (aka a blackcurrant-like fruit) adds fruitiness, and sandalwood and Ambroxan a woody base to ground everything together. Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 13 Mar. 2024 Think chartreuse, a zing of hot pink, and even canary yellow. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024
Verb
Watch the video to find out, and as a bonus, see who zings Danny Bronx and why. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 4 May 2023 The report also warns if your master password is weak and zings you for not using two-factor authentication. PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zing 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1911, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zing was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near zing

Cite this Entry

“Zing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zing. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

zing

noun
ˈziŋ
1
: a shrill humming sound
2
: a lively or energetic quality
a musical show with lots of zing

More from Merriam-Webster on zing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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