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

At the end of the week, the recycling truck picked them up and they clinked and clanked so loudly that the whole neighborhood could hear it.

From Literature

It’s already quite hot inside my shoebox apartment as the radiators clank away, drowning out my upstairs neighbor’s heavy footsteps with their cacophonous symphony.

From Salon

As a bonus, I’d learn a few things while she availed herself of uninterrupted free time, which wasn’t really free, since I’d often hear a running vacuum or dishes clanking in the sink.

From Salon

There was a clanking of hooves along the deserted waterfront.

From Literature

We climb the train station stairs and cross the bridge over the tracks, our shoes clanking on the iron floor.

From Literature