Bang

/bæŋ/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonSound
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A sudden, loud noise.

/bæŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Sound

A loud, explosive sound.

I heard a loud bang in the night.

💡 Simply: A loud noise.

More Examples

2

The fireworks went off with a bang.

How It's Used

General

"There was a loud bang from the street."

2

To strike or hit something forcefully and noisily.

/bæŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To hit something forcefully.

He banged the door shut.

💡 Simply: To hit hard.

More Examples

2

Don't bang your head on the wall!

How It's Used

General

"He banged his fist on the table."

Tip:Imagine hammering a nail – that's banging.

Idioms & expressions

bang on

Exactly correct

"His prediction was bang on."

Onomatopoeic; imitates the sound of a sudden loud noise. Its origins are obscure, but the word's use has been traced back centuries.

The onomatopoeic nature of the word has meant its usage has remained largely consistent across history, though its specific connotations might vary across contexts and time periods.

Memory tip

Think of a firecracker going off – that's a bang!

Word Origin

Original meaning

"Imitation of a loud noise."

Base: bang
loud bangsudden bangbang the door

Common misspellings

bnagbanng

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written