Dinged: meaning, definitions and examples

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dinged

 

[ dɪŋd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

minor damage

The term 'dinged' refers to causing a small dent or imperfection on the surface of an object, typically a vehicle or appliance. This action often occurs due to impact or collision with another object. The term is commonly used in informal settings to describe minor damages that do not significantly affect the usability of the item. It can also figuratively describe a slight decrease in value or condition.

Synonyms

banged, dented, marred

Examples of usage

  • I accidentally dinged my car door while parking.
  • The package arrived dinged, but the contents were fine.
  • Be careful not to ding the furniture while moving.

Etymology

The word 'ding' originated in the early 20th century, likely as an onomatopoeic term imitating the sound of a small impact or knock. It was commonly associated with the noise produced when a hard object struck a surface. Over time, 'ding' evolved into both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents the sound itself, while the verb form denotes the action of creating a dent or minor damage to an object. It gained popularity in automotive contexts, where 'ding' describes small imperfections on car bodies. The informal usage of the term has broadened its application to various scenarios, including everyday items and even metaphorical contexts, such as price or value reductions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,185, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.