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definitions

clank

[ klangk ]
/ klæŋk /
|

noun

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)

to make such a sound.
to move with such sounds: The old jalopy clanked up the hill.

verb (used with object)

to cause to make a sharp sound, as metal in collision: He clanked the shovel against the pail.
to place, put, set, etc., with a clank: to clank the cell door shut.

RELATED WORDS

jangle, clash, bang, ring, bong, clink, resound, toll, reverberate

Nearby words

  1. clanger,
  2. clanging,
  3. clangor,
  4. clangorous,
  5. clangour,
  6. clannish,
  7. clannishly,
  8. clansman,
  9. clanswoman,
  10. clap

Origin of clank

First recorded in 1605–15, clank is from the Dutch word klank sound
Related formsclank·ing·ly, adverbclank·ing·ness, nounclank·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for clanking

British Dictionary definitions for clanking

clank

/ (klæŋk) /

noun

an abrupt harsh metallic sound

verb

to make or cause to make such a sound
(intr) to move or operate making such a sound
Derived Formsclankingly, adverb

Word Origin for clank

C17: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for clanking
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper