clank

1 of 2

verb

ˈklaŋk How to pronounce clank (audio)
clanked; clanking; clanks
Synonyms of clanknext

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
ˈklaŋ-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce clank (audio)
adverb

clank

2 of 2

noun

: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

Synonyms of clank

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Noun

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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
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
De Palma’s sequence followed that moment with an eerie silence, the only sound that of the clanking empty bucket, before all hell breaks loose. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Volunteers spread out in a line and walk the field holding a rope lined with clanking cans. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
The Valkyries had no answer in the first half, but a combination of tighter defense and possibly tired legs saw those effortless makes turn into clanks. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 But rather than the satisfying sound of arrow meeting deer, Kontras heard a loud, bothersome clank. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clank

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

Phrases Containing clank

Rhymes for clank

See All Rhymes for clank

Browse Nearby Words

clanjamfrey
clank
clankety-clank
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clank. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clank

1 of 2 verb
ˈklaŋk How to pronounce clank (audio)
: to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

clank

2 of 2 noun
: a sharp short ringing sound
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