ring in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Semi-formal to informal. Common in journalistic and celebratory contexts.
Quick answer
What does “ring in” mean?
To mark the beginning of something, especially a new year, event, or period, often with celebration or noise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To mark the beginning of something, especially a new year, event, or period, often with celebration or noise.
To introduce or usher in a new thing, person, or era; to announce or signal the start of something. Also used colloquially to mean making a phone call into a place (e.g., a radio show).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the celebratory sense equally. The telephoning sense ('ring in to the studio') is more common in British English; American English might prefer 'call in'.
Connotations
Festive, traditional (e.g., church bells), and positive for the celebratory sense. Neutral for the telephoning sense.
Frequency
The celebratory sense sees a seasonal spike (end of December). The telephoning sense is declining in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “ring in” in a Sentence
[Subject] + ring in + [Object (New Year/era/changes)][Subject] + ring in + [Object] + with + [Instrument (bells/cheers)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ring in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Listeners are encouraged to ring in with their opinions.
- The town will ring in the May Day with the traditional peal of bells.
American English
- Fans can call in to ring in during the halftime show.
- We plan to ring in the Fourth of July with a barbecue and fireworks.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The CEO's speech aimed to ring in a new culture of innovation."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; appears in historical texts describing the start of periods.
Everyday
"We're going to ring in my birthday with a big party."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ring in”
- *We rang in to the New Year. (Incorrect preposition; use 'ring in the New Year')
- Using 'ring in' for endings (e.g., *ring in the old year).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common with 'New Year,' it can be used for the start of any significant period, era, or event (e.g., a new era, the changes, spring).
They are close synonyms. 'Ring in' has a more celebratory, noisy, or traditional connotation (like bells ringing). 'Usher in' is slightly more formal and neutral.
Yes. The past tense is 'rang in' (e.g., 'We rang in 2020 with a small gathering').
It is understood but less common in modern American English, where 'call in' is preferred. It remains in use in British English, especially in media contexts ('ring in to our competition').
To mark the beginning of something, especially a new year, event, or period, often with celebration or noise.
Ring in is usually semi-formal to informal. common in journalistic and celebratory contexts. in register.
Ring in: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɪŋ ˈɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɪŋ ˈɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ring in the New Year”
- “Ring in the changes”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant bell RINGING at midnight on December 31st, signalling the moment the new year comes IN.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SPACE ENTERED (the new year enters, and we ring bells to mark its entrance).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'ring in' used INCORRECTLY?