clank
[ klangk ]
/ klæŋk /
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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.
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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
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, nounclankless, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use clank in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for clank
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, adverbWord Origin for clank
C17: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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