clang

1 of 2

verb

clanged; clanging; clangs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make a loud metallic ringing sound
anvils clanged
b
: to go with a clang
2
: to utter the characteristic harsh cry of a bird

transitive verb

: to cause to clang
clang a bell

clang

2 of 2

noun

1
: a loud ringing metallic sound
the clang of a fire alarm
2
: a harsh cry of a bird (such as a crane or goose)

Examples of clang in a Sentence

Verb His fork clanged against the plate. The prison door clanged shut. The guard clanged the door shut. Noun the horseshoe hit the stake with a satisfying clang
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
In time, Ian started laughing at other things too: stories Eve made up about a cantankerous Russian named Boris, the word debris, pots clanging, keys jangling. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025 Next came a series of crashes and bangs, pots clanging and a thwacking sound like a broom hitting the floor. Suleika Jaouad, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
The constant clang of metal and the screech of drills suggest the sort of work underway at a warehouse-turned-workshop in this Ukrainian city about 300 kilometers (180 miles) east of Kyiv. Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025 As church bells clang, worshippers fill the sanctuary of San Lorenzo. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clang

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin clangere; akin to Greek klazein to scream, bark, Old English hliehhan to laugh

First Known Use

Verb

1576, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clang was in 1557

Cite this Entry

“Clang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clang. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

clang

1 of 2 verb
: to make or cause to make a loud ringing sound

clang

2 of 2 noun
: a loud ringing sound like that made by pieces of metal striking together

More from Merriam-Webster on clang

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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