clunk

American  

[kluhngk] / klʌŋk /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to hit hard, especially on the head.

2. clonk.

---

noun

1. a hard hit, especially on the head.

2. Informal. a stupid person; clunkhead.

3. clonk.

4. Informal. clunker

clunk British  

/ klʌŋk /

noun

1. a blow or the sound of a blow

2. a dull metallic sound

3. a dull or stupid person

4. 1. the gurgling sound of a liquid

   2. the sound of a cork being removed from a bottle

---

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound

Etymology

Origin of clunk

1790–1800; imitative; clink ¹, clank

Example Sentences

At times, I found myself fantasizing about nothing else in the world but the satisfying clunk of a torrent of ice from a self-serve soda fountain.

From Salon • Sep. 2, 2023

“Then, we heard a clunk, and we all collectively knew one had dropped off. So we continued to do that, until the weights were all out.”

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2023

After four days of bunting, union flags, Paddington Bear and Jason Donovan, yes - that is the sound of the clunk and clatter of politics returning.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2022

I do need to replace the tube one of these years: it sometimes makes a worrying clunk when I sit down.

From The Verge • Apr. 27, 2022

It’s a loud clunk of the huge handle followed by an air-suck sound.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King