plink

American  

[plingk] / plɪŋk /

verb (used without object)

1. to shoot, as with a rifle, at targets selected at whim.

   to plink at coins tossed in the air.

2. to make a series of short, light, ringing sounds.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shoot at for practice or amusement, as with a rifle.

   to plink bottles set along a fence railing.

2. to cause to make a series of short, light, ringing sounds.

noun

1. a plinking sound.

plink British  

/ plɪŋk /

noun

1. a short sharp often metallic sound as of a string on a musical instrument being plucked or a bullet striking metal

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verb

1. (intr) to make such a noise

2. to hit (a target, such as a tin can) by shooting or to shoot at such a target

Other Word Forms

• plinker noun
• plinking noun

Etymology

Origin of plink

First recorded in 1965–70; imitative

Example Sentences

Here’s a kalimba, an African thumb piano with metal tines that plink like a music box.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2021

And so just on the day I said, “This is kind of weird, maybe plink the piano.”

From The Verge • Dec. 4, 2019

He employed an orchestra, climbed inside a piano to plink its strings with a bobby pin, and incorporated everyday sounds like keys jangling or dogs barking into the songs.

From Washington Times • Jun. 4, 2015

John Tiffany’s direction demands that all the actors play instruments, and Steven Hoggett’s choreography has them up and dancing while they plink and pluck and strum.

From New York Times • Dec. 25, 2014

He listened to the plink they made when they collided.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin