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

Tourists from around the globe visited and found nothing, not even a memorial sign — just construction barriers blocking off heavy machinery that clanged and whined. —Alex Traub, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Don’t toss pennies in the fountains adorning several benches because the coins will clang. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024

Noun

That metallic clang, the slap of him bolting from the chair, clenched my stomach, my chest. —Sarah Stankorb, Longreads, 9 May 2024

The deafening clang of machinery fades into the background, replaced by the dull ache of a throbbing injury. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 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