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 of clang

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

Senior forward Javan Buchanan had a chance to restore the Broncos’ lead with a corner three with 13 seconds left, but could only clang his shot off the rim, while Gibbs-Lawhorn also missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026

Isabel, sitting in a driving-range stall, is nearly hit with a ball when a clumsy golfer clangs it off a metal railing. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026

Noun

In front of us was the end of the line where the tram would come to a stop with its own special lively clang. —Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

In a video that has since gone viral, Strelow's teammates are seen clapping when a clang can be heard. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 12 Feb. 2026

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