clang

1 of 2

verb

ˈklaŋ 

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)

Synonyms

Noun

• clangor
• clank
• clash
• whang

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

Verb

Sam Hauser had a chance to extend that lead moments later after Tatum stole a pass and sprung him for a fast break, but his wide-open dunk attack clanged off the rim. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025

In the 2020 postseason, Tucker hit the left upright from 41 yards away on the opening drive and clanged the right upright from 46 yards before making a 34-yarder right before halftime of Buffalo’s 17-3 victory. —Tim Graham, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Noun

Jimenez then proceeds to conduct what can only be described as ASMR torture upon Tommy — complete with rattling chains, smooth hammer sounds, gasoline pouring, and the swift clang of a nail into the upper thigh (oww). —Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2025

To hear the clang of the bell, inch toward the middle of the ring and hurl his right fist at the other man? —Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

clang

1 of 2 verb

ˈklaŋ 

: 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