clank

1 of 2

verb

ˈklaŋk 

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

ˈklaŋ-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

clank

2 of 2

noun

: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

Synonyms of clank

Noun

• rattle
• clang
• clash
• clink
• ring
• thump
• clangor
• whang

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

DeRozan received the pass, took one dribble and tried a running 29-foot 3-pointer that clanked off the back rim and the Kings lost, 100-98. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Squeaking and clanking is a huge no-no for me, and thankfully there are no metal pieces to announce your comings and goings or nocturnal activities. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026

Noun

If starting offense early in the shot clock is good, then draining the clock late into possessions must mean clanks are on the way. —Fred Katz, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Blumberg’s score for The Brutalist had an otherworldly, industrial quality to it: all clanks and clunks against an epic backdrop of brass and percussion. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing clank

• clinkety-clank

Rhymes for clank

• banc
• bank
• blank
• crank
• dank
• drank
• flank
• franc
• hank
• lank
• plank
• prank

Kids Definition

clank

1 of 2 verb

ˈklaŋk 

: to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

clank

2 of 2 noun

: a sharp short ringing sound