I. ˈpiŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: imitative
1. : a sharp metallic sound like or suggestive of that made by a rifle bullet striking an obstruction
heard the ping of a slingshot — Frank O'Connor
a bell … rang with a ping — Bruce Marshall
2. : an abnormal sound made by a gas engine usually due to advanced spark or excessive carbon accumulation : knock
3. : the pulse of sound waves reflected from or emitted by a submerged object in submarine signaling or detection and heard by special apparatus
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to make a sharp metallic sound like or suggestive of that made by a rifle bullet striking an obstruction : sound a ping
a few mosquitoes … pinging shrilly — John Onslow
a bullet pinged into the water — Henriette Roosenburg