clunk

[ kluhngk ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to hit hard, especially on the head.
2. clonk ( def 2 ).

noun

1. a hard hit, especially on the head.
2. Informal. a stupid person; clunkhead.
3. clonk ( def 1 ).
4. Informal. clunker ( def 2 )

clunk

/ klʌŋk /

noun

1. a blow or the sound of a blow
2. a dull metallic sound
3. a dull or stupid person
4. 1. the gurgling sound of a liquid
   2. the sound of a cork being removed from a bottle

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of clunk¹

1790–1800; imitative; clink ¹, clank

Word History and Origins

Origin of clunk¹

C19: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

A loud clunk and the crowd roared as the ball sailed above the field and over the fence for a walk-off home run to seal the championship win.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniels strode briskly to the stand, not looking at Trump, her shoes clunking on the floor.

From Seattle Times

Their two skulls smacked against each other with a hollow clunk, sending May to her knees holding her forehead.

From Literature

Mom’s feet clacked down the hall, followed by a clunking and skittering sound.

From Literature

In the back room of the threadbare offices of the Irish soccer team Bohemians, the printer clunks and chugs and whirs incessantly, spitting out a cascade of shipping labels.

From New York Times