clank

1 of 2

verb

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 adverb

clank

2 of 2

noun

: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

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
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 ball clanking off the back of the rim and shooting straight into the air and out of view. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 1 June 2025 That number did not include Michaela Cava’s wrist shot that clanked off the goalpost with less than 30 seconds left in the opening period. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Noun
Butler missed nine of his 13 shots, struggling in the hostile environment that cheered each clank. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 But the Warriors responded by missing 15 of their first 16 shots — including 10 clanks from 3 — with three turnovers. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clank

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of clank was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clank. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

clank

1 of 2 verb
: to make or move with a clank or series of clanks

clank

2 of 2 noun
: a sharp short ringing sound

More from Merriam-Webster on clank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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