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

Brunson’s shot clanked off the rim, but nobody boxed out Anunoby, who had inbounded the ball and had a clear path to the rebound. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Their thunderous yells surely contributed to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama clanking two late free throws with the Knicks down one. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026

Noun

Instead, Wembanyama delivered a clank. —Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

The clank sound off the front and back of the rim became the soundtrack to one of the most disappointing playoff losses in franchise history. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

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