Ring
/rɪŋ/noun
A circular band worn as jewelry or used as a seal, token, or symbol.
Did you know?English ring is tied to a deep Germanic root meaning “to bend or curve,” which is why the word’s shape and its symbolism of eternity line up so perfectly.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reĝ-
“to bend, curve, or direct”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hringaz
“a ring, circle, or curved band”
Old English
OE
hring
“a circular band; also a link in a chain”
Old Norse
ON
hringr
“a ring or circle”
Middle English
ME
ring
“a circular band worn on the finger; also a circle or loop”
Modern English
English
ring
“a circular band worn as jewelry or used as a seal or symbol”