1920s; earliest use found in James Joyce (1882–1941), writer. Reduplication of ring with connective element -a-, in quot. 1953 after ring-a-ring o' roses.
Definition of ring-a-ring in US English:
ring-a-ring
(also ringaring)
nounˌrɪŋəˈrɪŋ
A circle or circular movement.
Origin
1920s; earliest use found in James Joyce (1882–1941), writer. Reduplication of ring with connective element -a-, in quot. 1953 after ring-a-ring o' roses.