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Definition of clunk

clunk

/klʌŋk/
clunk
Plural:clunks
•
Adjective:clunky
•
Past Simple:clunked
•
Past Participle:clunked
•
Present Participle:clunking
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clunk Lexical Profile

clunk Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A dull, heavy sound, such as that made by thick metal or solid objects striking together.

Example

"The car door closed with a reassuring clunk."

2

A heavy blow or hit (informal).

Example

"He got a nasty clunk on the head when the low branch swung back."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To make or cause to make a dull, heavy sound.

Example

"The old radiator clunked noisily as the heating system turned on."

2

To strike or hit heavily (informal).

Example

"She accidentally clunked her knee against the corner of the coffee table."

Synonyms
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• interjection

1

Used to imitate or represent a sudden, dull, heavy impact sound.

Example

"Clunk! The heavy iron wrench dropped straight onto the garage floor."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for clunk

• Nearby Words

clumsily
clumsiness
clumsy
clunk
clunker
clunky
cluster

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 18th century, the word is of imitative origin, likely blended with related echoic words such as 'clank' and 'thunk'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clunk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clunk
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