# ping

> English word · Noun · IPA /pɪŋ/ · frequency rank #10,255

## Definitions
1. A high-pitched, short and somewhat sharp sound.
2. A pulse of high-pitched or ultrasonic sound whose echoes provide information about nearby objects and vessels.
3. A packet which a remote host is expected to echo, thus indicating its presence.
4. An email or other message sent requesting acknowledgement.
5. Latency.
6. A means of highlighting a feature on the game map so that allied players can see it.
7. A notification.

## Etymology
Partly onomatopoeic, and partly continuing Middle English pingen (“to push, shove, pierce, stab, prod, goad, urge, feel remorse, incite”), from Old English pyngan (“to prick”), in turn likely from pungere. Compare English pang.

## Easily confused with
- **pit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pit)
- **pun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pun)
- **png** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-png)
- **pip** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pip)
- **PSG** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-psg)
- **pug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pug)
- **PPG** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-ppg)
- **PNC** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pnc)
- **pon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pon)
- **pix** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pix)
- **PnP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pnp)
- **pir** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pir)
- **pink** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pink)
- **pipe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pipe)
- **punk** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-punk)
- **piss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-piss)
- **plug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-plug)
- **pity** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pity)
- **pond** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pond)
- **pony** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ping-vs-pony)

## Common misspellings (6)
`ipng`, `pign`, `pingg`, `pinng`, `pnig`, `pping`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ping