1 B1 informal
To move through a space noisily, hitting or bumping into things.
"My roommate was banging around the apartment at midnight while I was trying to sleep."
inseparable
bang around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To move around a place making loud banging or crashing sounds; also used to mean knocking something repeatedly.
In plain English
To move around noisily and hit things, or to knock something hard several times.
What does "bang around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To knock or hit something repeatedly and forcefully.
"He was banging around in the engine bay for an hour before he found the fault."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hit things while moving around — transparent.
Actually means
To move around noisily and hit things, or to knock something hard several times.
Usage tip
The American English counterpart to the British 'bang about.' Can also describe repeatedly hitting or knocking on something. Casual register.
Words that pair with "bang around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house kitchen room apartment noise early morning
How to conjugate "bang around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bang around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bangs around
he/she/it
Past simple
banged around
yesterday
Past participle
banged around
have + pp
-ing form
banging around
continuous
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