clank
clank Lexical Profile
clank Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make or cause to make a sharp, heavy, metallic sound.
"The mechanic's wrench clanked against the concrete floor."
To move heavily while making a succession of sharp metallic sounds.
"The freight train clanked slowly over the old steel bridge."
• noun
A sharp, loud, non-resonant metallic sound, as of heavy pieces of iron striking together.
"The heavy iron gate closed with a loud clank."
• interjection
Used to imitate a sharp, heavy metallic sound, such as chains or machinery striking together.
"Clank, clank! The old radiator started heating up in the corner of the room."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Clank' describes a heavier, duller, and more abrupt sound than 'clink' (light, high-pitched ringing, as of glasses) and has less sustained resonance than 'clang' (loud, vibrant ringing, as of a bell).
• Rhymes for clank
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 17th century, 'clank' is of imitative origin, likely influenced by Dutch 'klank' (a ringing sound) and related to 'clink' and 'clang'.