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.

---

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

---

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

When he put the bags down to get to the doorbell, one of them clanked ominously.

From Literature

The sound of clanking leg shackles could be heard moments before Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro walked into the door of a New York City courtroom for the first time.

From BBC

The clank of this supposed breakthrough idea is as inelegant as the meandering storytelling.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It feels like a prison," he says as the gates clank shut behind him.

From BBC

The early scenes have a certain ponderous solemnity as two hunter-warrior-predator brothers from the Yautja race fight for honor with weapons that combine the clank of all things medieval with modern pizzazz.

From The Wall Street Journal