clank

[ klangk ]

noun

1. a sharp, hard, nonresonant sound, like that produced by two pieces of metal striking, one against the other:

   the clank of chains; the clank of an iron gate slamming shut.

verb (used without object)

1. to make such a sound.
2. to move with such sounds:

   The old jalopy clanked up the hill.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to make a sharp sound, as metal in collision:

   He clanked the shovel against the pail.

2. to place, put, set, etc., with a clank:

   to clank the cell door shut.

clank

/ klæŋk /

noun

1. an abrupt harsh metallic sound

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound
2. intr to move or operate making such a sound

Derived Forms

• ˈclankingly, adverb

Other Words From

• clanking·ly adverb
• clanking·ness noun
• clankless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clank¹

First recorded in 1605–15, clank is from the Dutch word klank sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of clank¹

C17: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Fresh off his MVP-winning performance against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series, Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman opened the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday night with a … clank!

From Los Angeles Times

Rumble, wheeze, groan, roar, whoosh, clank, thud, creak and repeat — this, for me, is the onset of bus reverie.

From Los Angeles Times

Inspired by the raw, noisy clank of Jeru the Damaja’s 1993 East Coast hit “Come Clean,” “Cell Therapy” was built on a swirl of dub-inflected noise and an icy piano riff.

From New York Times

Rumble, wheeze, groan, roar, whoosh, clank, thud, creak and repeat — this, for me, is the onset of bus reverie.

From Los Angeles Times

Steel, clank, clank, I would be a well-to-do man,” Howard said.

From Washington Times