Ring the Circle and Ring the Sound Are Separate Words
A ring is a circular band. A separate ring is the sound of a bell.
A ring is a circular band, and separately the sound a bell makes. They are unrelated: the circle is Old English *hring*, the sound is Old English *hringan*, imitative of the noise. The coincidence is old enough that most speakers assume one word. A boxing ring is called a ring even though it is square, because prize fights were originally held in a circle of spectators; the square roped platform arrived in 1838 and kept the old name.
- A circular band. *A gold ring.*
- A bell sound. *The ring of a bell.*
- A boxing arena. *The ring.*
- A criminal group. *A smuggling ring.*
- Old English — *hring*. *The circle.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | ring | A ring. |
| Verb | ring | Ringing. |
| Past | rang | Rang. |
| Participle | rung | Rung. |
| Old English | hringan | To ring. |
- She wore a silver ring.Jewellery.
- The bell rang.Sound.
- He entered the ring.Boxing.
Why a boxing ring is square
- Early prize fights were held in a circle of onlookers
- A rope circle was later drawn on the ground
- The London Prize Ring Rules of 1838 specified a square
- The name ring stayed after the shape changed
- A modern ring is about six metres square inside the ropes
The circle is Old English *hring*. The sound is Old English *hringan*, of imitative origin.
Why is a square boxing ring called a ring?
Because fights were once held inside a circle of spectators. The square platform came later and kept the name.
Are the two rings the same word?
No. The circular band and the bell sound come from separate Old English words that happen to look alike.