bang
noun (countable)
UK/bæŋ/US/bæŋ/
a sudden loud noise or an impact, often caused by something hitting a hard surface or exploding
Example Sentences
The door slammed shut with a loud bang.
He jumped when he heard a sudden bang coming from the attic.
Fireworks lit up the sky with a bright flash and an echoing bang.
They heard a strange bang in the kitchen, only to find that a pot had fallen off the counter.
The car engine emitted an alarming bang before stopping completely.
When the balloon finally popped, it did so with a resounding bang that startled everyone in the room, scattering confetti in all directions.
From the stage, the rock band kicked off their concert with a powerful bang, captivating the audience right from the first chord and setting the energetic tone for the evening.
A sudden bang on the window made the cat dart under the table in fear.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bæŋ/US/bæŋ/
to strike or hit something forcefully, creating a loud noise, or to cause something to strike or make a sudden impact
Example Sentences
Don’t bang on the table; you might damage it.
She accidentally banged her knee on the coffee table, causing a nasty bruise.
He banged the door shut in frustration after the argument.
Try not to bang the pots and pans when cooking so late at night.
The children love to bang their toy drums, though it can be noisy.
She had to bang on the window several times to get the attention of the passerby, who was wearing headphones and couldn’t hear anything.
When you bang the lid onto the jar too tightly, it becomes difficult to open later, often requiring extra tools or force to loosen.
Workers started to bang on the metal beams early in the morning, waking the entire neighborhood with their construction noise.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A versatile term referring to a loud noise, a hairstyle fringe, or informal slang for sexual activity, among other meanings.“Bang” functions primarily as both a noun and a verb, encompassing a variety of meanings based on context.**As a noun**:1. **Loud Noise**: Refers to a sudden, sharp sound, such as an explosion, gunshot, or the slamming of a door. Example: “There was a loud bang that startled everyone in the room.”2. **Hairstyle**: Describes a fringe of hair cut straight across the forehead. In American English, this is often spelled “bangs.” Example: “She decided to get bangs to change her look.”3. **Sexual Slang**: Informally refers to a sexual encounter. Example: “They had a one-night bang after the party.”4. **Impact or Collision**: Indicates the act of hitting something with force. Example: “The car made a bang when it collided with the barrier.”**As a verb**:1. **To Make a Loud Noise**: To produce a sudden, sharp sound. Example: “He banged the door shut to keep the noise out.”2. **To Hit Forcefully**: To strike something with great force. Example: “She banged her fist on the table in frustration.”3. **Sexual Slang**: Informally means to engage in sexual activity. Example: “They decided to bang after their first date.”4. **To Operate or Function Roughly**: In some contexts, it can mean to work or function in a rough or forceful manner. Example: “The engine banged loudly every time it started.”**Idiomatic Expressions**:- **Bang for Your Buck**: Refers to the value or effectiveness obtained for the money spent. Example: “This smartphone gives you a lot of bang for your buck.”- **Go Out with a Bang**: To end something in a very impressive or spectacular way. Example: “The concert went out with a bang, leaving the audience exhilarated.”- **Bang Up**: To damage or injure something or someone. Example: “He got bang up playing football.”The versatility of “bang” allows it to be used in various contexts, from describing sounds and hairstyles to informal references to sexual activity. The meaning is usually clear from the surrounding context, making it a flexible term in both spoken and written language.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms and related terms for “bang” include:- **For Loud Noise**: “boom,” “blast,” “clap,” “crash,” “explosion.”- **For Hairstyle**: “fringe” (British English), “forelock.”- **For Sexual Slang**: “hook up,” “sleep with,” “get intimate with” (though these vary in formality and connotation).- **For Impact or Collision**: “hit,” “strike,” “smack,” “slam.”- **Idiomatic Expressions**: “value,” “impact,” “spectacular end” depending on the specific phrase.While these alternatives can capture specific aspects of “bang,” the term remains the most versatile and widely recognized across its various applications.
Writing
When using “bang” in formal or academic writing, it’s important to clarify the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. For example:- **Loud Noise**: “The sudden bang of the thunderclap echoed through the valley, startling the residents.”- **Hairstyle**: “She opted for a sleek fringe, commonly referred to as bangs, to complement her new hairstyle.”- **Sexual Slang**: It’s advisable to avoid using slang terms like “bang” in formal writing unless analyzing language or cultural expressions. In such cases, provide context: “In contemporary slang, the term 'bang' is often used to refer to a casual sexual encounter.”- **Idiomatic Use**: “The marketing campaign provided significant bang for the company’s advertising budget, resulting in increased brand visibility.”In creative or narrative writing, “bang” can add vividness and immediacy: “With a resounding bang, the door slammed shut, leaving her alone in the dimly lit room.” When describing actions, using “bang” can convey intensity and force: “He banged his fists against the wall in frustration.” Ensure that the context makes the meaning clear, especially given the word’s multiple definitions.Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context, especially in academic or formal texts where precision is key. If necessary, define the term upon first use to guide the reader: “The explosion produced a massive bang, resulting in widespread panic among the population.” This approach maintains clarity and ensures that the reader interprets the term as intended.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bang” is frequently used in a variety of contexts:- **Describing Noises**: “I heard a loud bang last night; I wonder what it was.”- **Talking About Hair**: “She just got bangs and they look really cute.”- **Referring to Sexual Activity**: “They decided to bang after their first date,” though this usage is informal and can be considered vulgar depending on the audience.- **Expressing Frustration or Impact**: “He banged his head on the door because he couldn’t open it.”- **Idioms and Phrases**: “This gadget gives me a lot of bang for my buck,” meaning it offers good value for the money spent.- **Humorous or Exaggerated Expressions**: “He’s going out with a bang,” implying he’s ending something in a memorable way.- **Everyday Actions**: “Can you bang the door closed?” meaning to shut it forcefully.Additionally, “bang” appears in playful or metaphorical expressions, such as “going bananas” meaning becoming crazy, though this shifts the word slightly. In casual settings, the meaning of “bang” is usually clear from context, whether referring to sounds, hairstyles, actions, or informal slang for sexual activity.
Etymology
The word “bang” has Germanic origins, with roots in Middle English where it referred to a sudden noise. It is related to the Middle Dutch word “beng,” meaning a loud noise, and the Old Norse “banga,” meaning to beat or hit. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings, including both the noun form for loud sounds and the verb form for making such sounds or striking something forcefully. The informal slang usage referring to sexual activity emerged in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the abrupt and impactful nature of the term, paralleling the intensity implied by its original meanings. The versatility of “bang” in English reflects its ability to adapt to different contexts while retaining its core connotations of suddenness and forcefulness.
