English Dictionary

Definition of “ringer

ringer (ˈrɪŋəPronunciation for ringer

Definitions

noun

  1. a person or thing that rings a bell
  2.  Also called dead ringerslang a person or thing that is almost identical to another
  3. slang a stolen vehicle the identity of which has been changed by the use of the licence plate, serial number, etc, of another, usually disused, vehicle
  4. US a contestant, esp a horse, entered in a competition under false representations of identity, record, or ability
  5. Australian New Zealand the fastest shearer in a shed
  6. Australian informal the fastest or best at anything
  7. a quoit thrown so as to encircle a peg
  8. such a throw

Usage examples

  • On the horizon, I could see the Burtonwood motorway services building, a dead ringer for the Roman Catholic cathedral in Liverpool.
    Val McDermid, KICK BACK (2002)
  • The 41-year-old dead ringer for Mrs Doubtfire clearly revelled in the company of polo-playing posh sort Jodie, and er, that's it.
    Megastar (2004)
  • Then came Nils Lofgren, the ringer on guitar, called upon for the most difficult parts.
    Edmonton Sun (2003)
  • A clergyman is expected to be either 103 years old or a dead ringer for Derek Nimmo in All Gas and Gaiters.
    Bain, Roly, Fools Rush In - A Call to Christian Clowning (1993)

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