ring1
• noun 1 a small circular band, typically of precious metal, worn on a finger. 2 a circular band, object, or mark. 3 an enclosed space in which a sport, performance, or show takes place. 4 a group of people or things arranged in a circle. 5 a group of people with a shared interest or goal, especially one involving illegal activity: a drug ring. 6 a flat circular heating device forming part of a gas or electric hob. 7 Chemistry a number of atoms bonded together to form a closed loop in a molecule. • verb 1 surround. 2 draw a circle round. — PHRASES hold the ring monitor a dispute or conflict without becoming involved. run (or make) rings round (or around) informal outclass or outwit easily. — DERIVATIVES ringed adjective ringless adjective. — ORIGIN Old English, related to RANK1.
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