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

Could having consecutive flyouts clank off a catwalk breathe new life into a listless lineup? — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

And Quentin Collette’s turbulent soundscape — rumbling, clanking, with the unrelenting downpour stirring in elemental fury — mixes seamlessly with the tense synth riffs of French electronic composer Robin Coudert, known professionally as ROB. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

The Valkyries had no answer in the first half, but a combination of tighter defense and possibly tired legs saw those effortless makes turn into clanks. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

But rather than the satisfying sound of arrow meeting deer, Kontras heard a loud, bothersome clank. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 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