rung etymology

Etymology

The word "rung" has Germanic origins, derived from the Old English word "rung," meaning "a round or rod-like object." It is related to the German word "Runge," meaning "a pole or bar."

Meaning

• Primary meaning: A crossbar in a ladder or a step in a climbing frame
• Extended meanings:
  • A round or cylindrical object
  • A level or stage in a process or hierarchy
  • A note on the musical scale

Origin

The word "rung" first appeared in written English in the 12th century, in the context of ladders and climbing frames. Its use gradually expanded to include other round or cylindrical objects and metaphorical meanings.

Examples

• "The ladder had ten rungs, each spaced one foot apart."
• "The gymnast swung on the metal rungs of the monkey bars."
• "We have reached the first rung on the ladder of success."
• "The singer's voice rang out with a clear high rung."

rung relate terms

• spoke

  Etymology The word spoke comes from the Old English word spaca which means spoke o

• round

  Etymology Origin of the Word The word round comes from the Old English word rund w

• stave

  Etymology Middle English stave from Old English stæf staff pole stick Proto Germ

• tram

  Etymology The word tram has multiple etymological origins 16th century From the Sc

• climacteric

  Etymology Climacteric derives from Greek κλιμακτήρ klimaktēr meaning lad

• bell

  Etymology Old English belle a bell Proto Germanic bellu to ring Indo Europe

• ring

  Etymology The word ring derives from the Old English word hring which is cognate wit

• attach

  Etymology the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed over time

• adjoin

  Etymology From Middle English adjounen from Old French adjoindre from Latin ad

• grin

  Etymology Old English grinnian to bare the teeth smile Proto Germanic grenjanan