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

But Judge appeared to peek at the runner at the last second and missed it, the ball clanking off his glove and kicking to his right.

From Los Angeles Times

That was more than Witt could match, with the burgeoning Royals infielder reaching 13 homers before clanking his final swing off the wall to clinch Hernández’s victory — one that comes with a $1-million prize.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a time of clanking typewriters, cigar chomping and whiskey, he recalled.

From Seattle Times

In the end, it wasn’t the bell that signaled something was up, but the jingling of a court officer’s keys — a ring full of them clanking as Maj.

From Seattle Times

Then I heard clanking noises in the basement, so I went downstairs.

From Literature