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

Metro Boomin’s clanging trap beat guides their flows, shifting from icy and spartan to lush and dreamy and back. —Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024

There are all sorts of weird noises coming from the lake — like, clanging sounds — and Paris’s dog keeps barking at it for no reason. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

These sections get very loud, helped by the metal seats that perfectly clang from banging hands/gloves. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 29 July 2024

If Noel makes contact, on the other hand, the baseball clangs off the hull of the Goodtime III. —Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024

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