clink

¹ American  

[klingk] / klɪŋk /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or cause to make a light, sharp, ringing sound.

   The coins clinked together. He clinked the fork against a glass.

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noun

1. a clinking sound.

2. Metallurgy. a small crack in a steel ingot resulting from uneven expanding or contracting.

3. a pointed steel bar for breaking up road surfaces.

4. Archaic. a rhyme; jingle.

clink ² American  

[klingk] / klɪŋk /

noun

Slang.

1. a prison; jail; lockup.

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clink ¹ British  

/ klɪŋk /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a light and sharply ringing sound

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noun

1. a light and sharply ringing sound

2. a pointed steel tool used for breaking up the surface of a road before it is repaired

clink ² British  

/ klɪŋk /

noun

1. a slang word for prison

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Etymology

Origin of clink¹

1275–1325; Middle English clinken, perhaps < Middle Dutch clinken to sound, ring, resound

Origin of clink²

1505–15; after Clink, name of prison in Southwark, London, perhaps < Dutch klink door-latch

Example Sentences

Clink Int’l, a monthly natty wine pop-up that was set up in the VIP and GA2 sections of the festival, created this tee for the occasion.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2022

Melissa Clink, 35 years old, who works at a nonprofit focused on empowering girls, is chairperson of the Forsyth County Democrats.

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2020

Clink chief Christopher Moore says it connects inmates with future jobs.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2019

He played almost a full season of game’s there, catching 74 passes for 823 yards and four TDs in 13 games at the Clink.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2018

Then my former hosts, who had proved themselves such devoted friends, urged my return to them, first to their London house close to the Clink prison, where they were as yet residing.

From The Condition of Catholics Under James I. by Gerard, John