pang

1 of 2

noun

ˈpaŋ How to pronounce pang (audio)
Synonyms of pangnext
1
: a brief piercing spasm of pain
the pangs of childbirth
2
: a sharp attack of mental anguish
pangs of remorse
a pang of guilt
a pang of disappointment

pang

2 of 2

verb

panged; panging; pangs

transitive verb

: to cause to have pangs : torment

Synonyms of pang

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Noun

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Examples of pang in a Sentence

Noun those hunger pangs that strike you in the middle of the afternoon
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In the evening, cocktails and a light supper will satiate hunger pangs. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2026 Help keep your hunger pangs at bay while on a road trip or at the office with this multi-pack of trail mixes. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026
Verb
Its sonic trappings are in vogue, but thanks in large part to front-woman Fox Rodemich’s memorable voice, which pangs around the record like a cave bellow, there’s an outlying classic quality to these songs. — Dylan Owens, The Know, 16 Feb. 2017 See All Example Sentences for pang

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1502, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pang was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing pang

Rhymes for pang

See All Rhymes for pang

Browse Nearby Words

panful
pang
panga
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pang. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pang

noun
ˈpaŋ
: a sudden sharp attack of pain or distress

Medical Definition

pang

noun
ˈpaŋ How to pronounce pang (audio)
: a brief piercing spasm of pain see birth pang, hunger pangs

More from Merriam-Webster on pang

Nglish: Translation of pang for Spanish Speakers

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