Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💻
Add to dictionary

ping

[pɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer networking

A ping is a network utility tool used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It works by sending a packet to the target host and waiting for a response. The time taken for the packet to travel from the source to the destination and back is measured in milliseconds.

Synonyms

connectivity check, network test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ping

Used casually in non-technical settings to mean contacting someone quickly or getting someone's attention.

  • 'I'll ping you when I get there
  • ' or 'Just ping me if you need anything
  • '
network test

Used in more formal or comprehensive evaluations of a network's performance, speed, or reliability.

  • 'The IT department is conducting a network test to ensure everything is functioning correctly
  • ' or 'Before launching the service, we need to complete a thorough network test
  • '
connectivity check

Used in technical or IT settings when verifying the stability or availability of network connections.

  • 'We are performing a connectivity check on the new network setup
  • ' or 'The support team ran a connectivity check to identify any issues
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Pinging the server to check the connection status.
  • The technician used the ping command to troubleshoot the network issue.
Context #2 | Verb

computer networking

To ping means to send a signal to a host on a network and wait for a response. It is commonly used to diagnose network connectivity problems or to measure the round-trip time between two hosts.

Synonyms

send a signal, test connectivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ping

Use in technical and casual contexts when verifying the status of a network connection or checking someone's availability or attention.

  • I need to ping the server to make sure it's online.
  • Can you ping Sarah and see if she's coming to the meeting?
test connectivity

Use in formal and technical contexts specifically to describe actions taken to verify a connection between systems or devices.

  • The IT team needs to test connectivity between the new router and our network.
  • Before starting the installation, ensure to test connectivity to avoid any issues.
send a signal

Use in more formal or technical contexts when describing the action of transmitting data or a signal for any type of verification or alert.

  • The monitoring system will send a signal if the temperature exceeds the limit.
  • Send a signal to the control unit to start the process.

Examples of usage

  • The IT specialist will ping the device to determine if it is online.
  • If you suspect a network issue, try pinging the router.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computer networking, ping is a tool used to determine the health of a connection by measuring how long it takes for a message to travel.
  • The 'ping' command is widely found in various operating systems, allowing users to test connectivity between their computer and others over the internet.
  • When a device fails to respond to a ping, it may indicate that it is offline or experiencing issues.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'ping' is often used in video games to describe latency, where players aim for low 'ping' times for the best game performance.
  • In the film 'The Matrix,' the main character references a 'ping' signal, utilizing it as a metaphor for alertness in an increasingly digital world.
  • The phrase 'pinging your location' has emerged in social media to invite friends to share their whereabouts.

Science

  • Acoustic signaling, like the 'ping,' is used in marine biology to study underwater life by recording sounds and echoes from various creatures.
  • The concept of signal reflection in physics resonates with how 'ping' operates, where the original sound signal returns an echo, representing an object's presence.
  • Researchers have also used ping-like signals to analyze the speed and efficiency of animal movements through various environments.

Psychology

  • In social interactions, the concept of 'ping' can symbolize checking in with others, akin to gauging emotional connection or awareness.
  • The idea of a 'ping' in communication may also relate to how quickly individuals respond, indicating levels of engagement or interest in a conversation.
  • In digital interactions, receiving a 'ping' from notifications can trigger instant gratification by providing immediate access to social updates or messages.

Origin of 'ping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the sonar technology used in submarines, where 'ping' refers to the sound a sonar device makes.
  • In the 1980s, the term became popular in computer networking to describe the method of measuring response times between networks.
  • The verb form means to send out a signal, similar to how a sonar sends out sound waves.

The term 'ping' originated from the sonar technology used in submarines. In the context of computer networking, it was first introduced in the 1980s as a utility to check the connectivity between devices on a network. The concept of sending a signal and waiting for a response inspired the usage of 'ping' as a verb in various technical and informal contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,992, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.