“Ringer” or “Wringer”—Which to use?

“Ringer” or “Wringer”

Overview

ringer / wringer are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

ringer: (noun) a person who is almost identical to another. (noun) a contestant entered in a competition under false pretenses. (noun) (horseshoes) the successful throw of a horseshoe or quoit so as to encircle a stake or peg.

wringer: (noun) a clothes dryer consisting of two rollers between which the wet clothes are squeezed.

Pronunciation

ringer: r·IH·ng·er

wringer: r·IH·ng·er

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Examples in Context

Examples of “ringer”

…an alerting device, usually a ringer (A7), that remains connected to…
The coupling transformer, battery, and ringer were in a separate enclosure…
The coupling transformer and the ringer were mounted in a separate…
…desk set, obviating a separate ringer box.
…Bill Kolens (right tackle), Judd Ringer (right end), George Benson (quarterback),…
…to common battery exchanges, the ringer box was installed under a…
The electromechanical ringer of a telephone (A7) is…
…the need for a separate ringer box.
…separate bell box called a "ringer box."
…a separate bell box or "ringer box".

Examples of “wringer”

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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