1911, "high pitched sound," of echoic origin. Slang meaning "energy, zest" is attested from 1918. Verb is from 1920; meaning "to deliver a stinging witticism or retort" is by 1975.
the zing of the passing bullet
zillion
Zimbabwe
zinc
zine
zinfandel
zing
zinger
zinnia
Zion
Zionism
Zionist