dinge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, archaic, chiefly British
Quick answer
What does “dinge” mean?
A dent or hollow made by a blow or pressure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dent or hollow made by a blow or pressure.
To make a dent in something; to become dented. Informally, to hit or strike someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is archaic but slightly more attested in British English, especially in regional dialects. It is virtually unknown in contemporary American English.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a rustic or old-fashioned feel. No strong negative connotations beyond its rarity.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but marginally more likely to be encountered in older British texts or dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “dinge” in a Sentence
[VN] (to dinge something)[V] (something dinges)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dinge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Mind you don't dinge the car door on that stone wall.
- The old tin bucket was all dinged and dinged from years of use.
American English
- (Virtually unused) He accidentally dinged the fender. (Note: 'ding' is used, not 'dinge').
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The dinge on the bonnet was quite noticeable.
- A few dinge marks on the surface.
American English
- (Unused)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Extremely rare; potentially in regional dialect speech about minor damage.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dinge”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dinge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dinge”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'dinghy' or 'dingo'.
- Assuming it is a common synonym for 'dent'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic. You are unlikely to encounter it in modern English outside of specific regional dialects or very old texts.
Yes, though rarely. As a verb, it means 'to make a dent in' or 'to become dented'. The more common modern verb is 'to dent'.
No, they are not related. 'Dinghy' (a small boat) comes from Hindi, while 'dinge' is likely of Germanic origin related to 'ding' (to hit).
For most learners, no. It is a passive vocabulary item at best. It's more important to know the common word 'dent'. Learning 'dinge' is only for those interested in very obscure or historical vocabulary.
A dent or hollow made by a blow or pressure.
Dinge is usually informal, archaic, chiefly british in register.
Dinge: in British English it is pronounced /dɪn(d)ʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this rare word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ding' (a ringing sound from a hit) + 'edge' -> a DINGE is the dent left at the edge of a hit.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPACT IS A SHAPE CHANGE (a hit changes the surface into a hollow).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern synonym for the noun 'dinge'?