ping-pong

1 of 3

verb

ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ How to pronounce ping-pong (audio)
-ˌpȯŋ
ping-ponged; ping-ponging; ping-pongs
: shift, bounce

ping-pong

2 of 3

noun

: something resembling a game of table tennis
especially : a series of usually verbal exchanges between two parties
… a ping-pong of absurdist dialogue … —Lawrence O'Toole

Ping-Pong

3 of 3

trademark

ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ How to pronounce Ping-Pong (audio)
-ˌpȯŋ
—used for table tennis

Examples of ping-pong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The buoyant 808s ping-pong back and forth, sounding like an aquatic marching band ushering in a deep-sea championship team. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 Relax in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub before gathering around the fire pit for s’mores or heading to the clubhouse for a round of ping-pong. — Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026 Patients often become the ball in a game of medical ping-pong. — Mackenzi Moore, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 One side is red and the other is black, perfect for ping-pong tournaments. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ping-pong

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ping-pong was in 1902

Rhymes for ping-pong

See All Rhymes for ping-pong

Browse Nearby Words

pingo
ping-pong
Ping-Pong
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ping-pong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ping-pong. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Ping-Pong

trademark
ˈpiŋ-ˌpäŋ, 
-ˌpȯŋ
—used for table tennis

More from Merriam-Webster on ping-pong

Nglish: Translation of ping-pong for Spanish Speakers

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