ding

A "ding" typically refers to a small dent or shallow impact mark on the surface of an object, often a vehicle. It occurs when the object undergoes a minor collision or bump, causing a deformation without damaging the overall structure. Dings are usually superficial and can often be repaired without extensive work. They are common in everyday situations, such as parking lot mishaps or minor accidents, and are less severe than larger dents or structural damage. The term is informal but widely understood to describe these small, superficial imperfections.