ding-dong

[ding-dawng, -dong] /ˈdɪŋˌdɔŋ, -ˌdɒŋ/
noun
1.
the sound of a bell.
2.
any similar sound of repeated strokes.
3.
Slang. ding-a-ling.
adjective
4.
characterized by or resembling the sound of a bell.
5.
marked by rapid alternation of retaliatory action:
a ding-dong struggle.
Origin
1550-60; gradational compound based on ding, apparently blend of din1 and ring2
Examples from the web for ding-dong
  • The annual ding-dong over bank bonuses is under way.
  • But behind this entertaining ding-dong is an argument about the whole of government's reform of secondary education.
British Dictionary definitions for ding-dong

ding-dong

noun
1.
the sound of a bell or bells, esp two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart
2.
an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell
3.
  1. a violent exchange of blows or words
  2. (as modifier): a ding-dong battle in the board room
adjective
4.
sounding or ringing repeatedly
Word Origin
C16: of imitative origin; see ding1
Slang definitions & phrases for ding-dong

ding-dong

adjective

Vigorous and spirited; knock-down-drag-out •Used adverbially, ''with a will,'' by 1672: A ding-dong battle is in prospect (1870+)

noun
  1. An eccentric person; ding-a-ling1, nut (1920s+)
  2. The penis; dong: couldn't find his own ding-dong if you told him to look between his legs/ Forget his ding-dong. Think of it as a technically superior game (1940s+)