clank

American  

[klangk] / klæŋk /

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.

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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 British  

/ klæŋk /

noun

1. an abrupt harsh metallic sound

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verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound

2. (intr) to move or operate making such a sound

Other Word Forms

• clankingly adverb
• clankingness noun
• clankless adjective

Etymology

Origin of clank

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

Example Sentences

As the sun sank, neighbors began banging spoons on metal pots from inside their homes, the subtle but unmistakable clank of government protests.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

It’s already quite hot inside my shoebox apartment as the radiators clank away, drowning out my upstairs neighbor’s heavy footsteps with their cacophonous symphony.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

The clank of this supposed breakthrough idea is as inelegant as the meandering storytelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

"It feels like a prison," he says as the gates clank shut behind him.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

I clank my spoon against the bowl, scraping the sticky rice from the sides.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na