ringer
word
Definition
A 'ringer' can mean a person who secretly takes someone else’s place in a competition, usually to give an unfair advantage; it can also simply mean a bell or a device that makes a ringing sound, especially on a phone.
Usage & Nuances
'Ringer' as a person is informal and mainly used in sports, games, or competitions. It may also refer to the part of a phone that rings ('turn off the ringer'). In ‘dead ringer,’ it means someone who looks exactly like someone else. Not to be confused with 'ringer' as in physical bells.
Example Sentences
The phone’s ringer is too loud.
basic
The team brought in a ringer to help them win the match.
basic
Please turn off the ringer before the meeting starts.
basic
He’s a real ringer—nobody else in the league can play like that.
natural
Sorry, I didn’t hear you—I had my ringer turned off.
natural
They hired a ringer for the trivia night, and everyone was suspicious.
natural