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

Ratchet and Clank, Forza Horizon 5, Psychonauts 2 and Deathloop have also been nominated in multiple categories.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2022

Clank, clank, clank go the “BattleBots” in a new season of this competition series.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2022

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart $50 $70 29% off Insomniac Games’ latest adventure in the Ratchet & Clank series is the most fun entry yet.

From The Verge • Dec. 28, 2021

Other recent blockbuster games, like Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, have been recognized for their wide-ranging accessibility features.

From The Verge • Nov. 1, 2021

Clank, klangk, n. a sharp sound, less prolonged than a clang, such as is made by a chain.—v.t. or v.i. to make or cause a clank.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various