An East and Southeast Asian percussion instrument that takes the form of a flat, circular metal disc which is hit with a padded mallet. When it is struck it produces a very loud sound with a fundamental note and rich overtones. Even though the gong produces a fundamental pitch, it is typically considered a non-pitched instrument.

Gongs probably originated in China around the 6th century, but the term gong was introduced in Java where it rapidly became an essential part of gamelan. The gong found its way into the Western world in the 18th century when it was also used in the percussion section of a Western-style symphony orchestra. 

Gongs broadly fall into 3 types:

• flat gongs are more or less flat, circular discs of metal suspended vertically by means of a cord passed through holes near to the top rim
• bossed or nipple gongs have a raised centre boss, or knob, and are often suspended but can be played horizontally
• bowl gongs are bowl-shaped and rest on cushions and may be considered a member of the bell category

Gongs are made mainly from bronze or brass but there are many other alloys in use. 

Gongs produce two distinct types of sound. A gong with a substantially flat surface vibrates in multiple modes, giving a crash rather than a tuned note. This type of gong is sometimes called a tam-tam to distinguish it from the bossed gongs that give a tuned note.