clank

1 of 2

verb

clanked; clanking; clanks

intransitive verb

1
: to make a clank or series of clanks
the radiator hissed and clanked
2
: to go with or as if with a clank
tanks clanking through the streets

transitive verb

: to cause to clank
clankingly adverb

clank

2 of 2

noun

: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

Examples of clank in a Sentence

Verb The radiator hissed and clanked. The empty can clanked along the sidewalk. a ghost clanking its chains Noun the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Dan Kenyon’s dense sound design is another highly effective component, often blurring the lines between ambient noise and composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s chilling score, which incorporates clanking, groaning, juddering industrial sounds and leans heavily into distortion. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2024 Other serious competition includes: A former jail that makes unexplained clanking sounds. Paul Edward Parker, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
Tyrann Mathieu watched clank off his hands and to the turf. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024 The pipes in the house started to whirr and clank like an old tractor. Hazlitt, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clank 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clank.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clank was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near clank

Cite this Entry

“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clank. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

clank

1 of 2 verb
: to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

clank

2 of 2 noun
: a sharp short ringing sound

More from Merriam-Webster on clank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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