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

The Broncos have allowed two 70-yard-plus kick returns, committed an indefensible leverage infraction on a 60-yard field goal, fumbled a punt and clanked a field goal. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025

Federal Public Defender Aziza Hawthorne requested a hearing for Thursday, Oct. 9. Chains clanking, Rinderknecht was then led out of the courtroom. —Nathaniel Percy, Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2025

Noun

The tables were empty and the bar deserted, the only sign of life the clank and swish of dishes being washed in the back, through the swinging double doors. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank. —Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 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