[count] 1 a : a piece of jewelry that is worn usually on a finger
▪ He gave her an engagement/diamond ring. — see color picture
b : a piece of jewelry that is shaped like a circle and worn in a special hole made in the skin
▪ a navel/nose ring — see also earring 2 a : something that is shaped like a circle
▪ He blew smoke rings. ▪ the rings of the planet Saturn ▪ Put the napkins in/through the napkin rings. ▪ I can't find my key ring. [=a metal circle to which keys are attached] — see also onion ring, teething ring
b : something that forms a circle around something else
▪ They built a ring of houses around an open area. ▪ The moon was surrounded by a ring of clouds.
c : a circular or curved mark or shape
▪ a white ring around the dog's eye ▪ a ring of dirt in the bathtub ▪ I hadn't slept all night and had dark rings [=(more commonly) circles] under my eyes. 3 : an area that is used for shows and contests and is usually surrounded by ropes or a fence
▪ a circus/rodeo ring ▪ a boxing/wrestling ring — see also bullring 4 : a group of people who are involved in some illegal or dishonest activity
▪ Police broke up a ring of car thieves. ▪ a smuggling ring 5 Brit : the part on the top of a stove where the heat or flame is produced : burner