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

• clank
• clash
• rattle
• clangor
• ring
• thump
• clink
• 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

One plot point is underscored by clanging church bells that definitely don’t exist on this empty stretch of land. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

In time, Ian started laughing at other things too: stories Eve made up about a cantankerous Russian named Boris, the word debris, pots clanging, keys jangling. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025

Noun

To add to the chatter and clang of boots, the next cluster approach from the other way. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 4 July 2025

Parries produce a hearty ringing on impact that sounds like the mighty clang of a clock tower bell. —Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

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

Rhymes for clang

• bang
• chuang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang
• kiang
• langue

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