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.

Words nearby clank

clang association, clanger, clanging, clangor, clangour, clank, clannish, clansman, clanswoman, clap, clap eyes on

Origin of clank

First recorded in 1605–15, clank is from the Dutch word klank sound

OTHER WORDS FROM clank

clank·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

After the clanking, the loud and clamorous peal of a bell rang out.
Prudence of the Parsonage|Ethel Hueston
In his leather clothes, and with his clanking sword ornament, his aspect carried the swagger of a brigand of old.
Brigands of the Moon|Ray Cummings
Machinery is whirring and clanking, where a few years ago a steam whistle would have startled the natives out of their wits.
Sport and Work on the Nepaul Frontier|James Inglis
A big engine was clanking up through the yard, but Jeffard did not turn to look at it.
The Helpers|Francis Lynde

By the clanking sound she knew it was one of the chasseurs, and her heart sank within her.
The Children of France|Ruth Royce

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 forms of clank

clankingly, 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