clank

1 of 2

verb

ˈklaŋk 

clanked; clanking; clanks

intransitive verb

1

: to make a clank or series of clanks

the radiator hissed and clanked

2

: to go with or as if with a clank

tanks clanking through the streets

transitive verb

: to cause to clank

clankingly

ˈklaŋ-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

clank

2 of 2

noun

: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

Synonyms

Noun

• clang
• clangor
• clash
• whang

Examples of clank in a Sentence

Verb

The radiator hissed and clanked.

The empty can clanked along the sidewalk.

a ghost clanking its chains

Noun

the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But Birr also clanked a 25-yard attempt off the left upright, and Georgia Tech squandered another scoring chance when Haynes was stuffed for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-1 at the Bulldogs 25. —Paul Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024

His warm up shot clanked hard off the backboard and in, sparking some laughter and a quick turnaround to the back of the line. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 24 Nov. 2024

Noun

That includes the three-button playback controls which are intuitive, but make a loud clank when clicked. —Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2023

Tyrann Mathieu watched clank off his hands and to the turf. —Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1656, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clank

• clinkety-clank

Kids Definition

clank

1 of 2 verb

ˈklaŋk 

: to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

clank

2 of 2 noun

: a sharp short ringing sound