twang

[ twang ]

verb (used without object)

1. to give out a sharp, vibrating sound, as the string of a musical instrument when plucked.
2. to produce such a sound by plucking a stringed musical instrument.
3. to have or produce a sharp, nasal tone, as the human voice.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to make a sharp, vibrating sound, as a string of a musical instrument.
2. to produce (music) by plucking the strings of a musical instrument.
3. to pluck the strings of (a musical instrument):

   to twang a guitar.

4. to speak with a sharp, nasal tone.
5. to pull the string of (an archer's bow).
6. to let fly (an arrow).

noun

1. the sharp, ringing sound produced by plucking or suddenly releasing a tense string.
2. a sound resembling this.
3. an act of plucking or picking:

   He gave his guitar strings a twang.

4. a sharp, nasal tone, as of the human voice.

twang

/ twæŋ /

noun

1. a sharp ringing sound produced by or as if by the plucking of a taut string

   the twang of a guitar

2. the act of plucking a string to produce such a sound
3. a strongly nasal quality in a person's speech, esp in certain dialects

verb

1. to make or cause to make a twang

   to twang a guitar

2. to strum (music, a tune, etc)

   to twang on a guitar

3. to speak or utter with a sharp nasal voice
4. intr to be released or move with a twang

   the arrow twanged away

Derived Forms

• ˈtwangy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of twang¹

First recorded in 1535–45; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of twang¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

She’d become incredibly popular in the thru-hiking community, my friend continued, a star borne of sweat, tent stakes, and twang.

From Outside Online

The twang we hear as emblematic of white country music is actually the direct descendant of black folk music banjo.

From The Daily Beast

It looks a bit older, but once you hear that gravelly-squeaky Tennessee twang, it hits you: this is Lori Petty.

From The Daily Beast

She has a gulpy, southern twang to her voice, which can be annoying.

From The Daily Beast

Orner speaks with the salty twang of her native Melbourne, Australia.

From The Daily Beast

Every summer needs a nice, simple tune with a good twang for sing-alongs on long drives with the windows down.

From The Daily Beast

The nighthawks swooped in the pale zenith with the twang of smitten chords.

From Project Gutenberg

The nasal twang of Yankeedom is a plant that 99 needs no nourishing.

From Project Gutenberg

It is rather a drawl that afflicts the ear than a nasal twang.

From Project Gutenberg

In the mere speaking of her name his twang made instant attack upon the Southerner's nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

You are losing some of your twang, but thy speech still bewrayeth thee.

From Project Gutenberg