clunk

1 of 2

verb

clunked; clunking; clunks

intransitive verb

1
: to make a clunk
2
: to hit something with a clunk

transitive verb

: to strike or hit with a clunk

clunk

2 of 2

noun

1
: a blow or the sound of a blow : thump
2
: a dull or stupid person

Examples of clunk in a Sentence

Noun The book hit the floor with a loud clunk. don't be such a clunk and just get on with it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The thousands of dollars saved could be repurposed toward family well-being: finally dealing with a clunking car, paying for a child’s dental work, enjoying a cross-country trip to see grandparents. Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2024 The guardian huffed and slammed the door shut, but a moment later, metal clunked, and the door was opened. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024
Noun
The sequential-shift Hewland six-speed transmission sitting behind you engages first gear with a brutal metallic clunk. Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2023 The swing, a thick piece of lumber, clunks against the bull’s tines. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for clunk 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1796, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clunk was circa 1796

Dictionary Entries Near clunk

Cite this Entry

“Clunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clunk. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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