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

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

Advertisement Read more: How Netanyahu Pushed Trump Toward War That day, a shepherd posted cell phone footage of an Israeli C-130 low in the sky over Syria, sheep bells clanking over the roar of the engines. —Karl Vick, Time, 19 June 2025

In this instance, Jaden McDaniels’ attempt clanked off the iron as part of a slow start that ultimately doomed Minnesota. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025

Noun

Butler missed nine of his 13 shots, struggling in the hostile environment that cheered each clank. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025

But the Warriors responded by missing 15 of their first 16 shots — including 10 clanks from 3 — with three turnovers. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 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