A ring is a small circular band, usually made of metal, worn on a finger as jewelry or a symbol, like a wedding ring. The word can also mean a circular shape or the sound made by a bell or phone.
From Old English *hring* “ring, circle,” related to Old Norse *hringr* and German *Ring*. The sound sense likely comes from the clear, circular echo of bells.
One short word covers jewelry, circles, gangs (“a crime ring”), and phone sounds, all linked by the idea of a closed loop. Even a wrestling “ring” is usually square, but we still call it a ring because of the old sense of a marked-off circle.
Rings, especially engagement and wedding rings, are entangled with gendered norms about marriage, property, and women’s status, including traditions where only women wore engagement rings as visible signs of being “claimed.” Jewelry markets have often targeted women as recipients and men as purchasers.
When discussing rings in relational contexts, avoid assuming heterosexual or gender‑traditional roles. Use gender‑neutral language like “partner” and recognize diverse commitment practices.
["band","circle","loop (for shapes)"]
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