Word
clang
US/ˈkɫæŋ/
UK/klˈæŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a loud, sharp sound made when metal hits metal. You hear it when a pot falls or a gate slams shut.
n. a loud, resonant sound produced when metal objects strike together.
Examples
“The metal gate shuts with a loud clang.”
“He drops the wrench on the garage floor and the clang echoes through the quiet workshop.”
“The clang of the hammer against the anvil rang through the forge, marking each stage of the shaping process.”
Examples
simple
“The metal gate shuts with a loud clang.”
contextual
“He drops the wrench on the garage floor and the clang echoes through the quiet workshop.”
complex
“The clang of the hammer against the anvil rang through the forge, marking each stage of the shaping process.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clang” in context.
Verb
01. clang echoes
“The clang echoed through the empty station.”
noun + verb
02. clang rings
“A clang rang out as the gate slammed shut.”
noun + verb
03. hear clang
“I heard a clang from the garage where Dad was working.”
verb + noun
04. make clang
“The falling pan made a clang that scared the cat.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. hollow clang
“The empty pot fell and gave a hollow clang.”
adj + noun
06. loud clang
“We heard a loud clang when the tray hit the kitchen floor.”
adj + noun
07. metallic clang
“The tools hit the floor with a metallic clang.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. clang of bell
“The clang of the bell marked the end of the round.”
noun + prep + noun
09. clang of gate
“The clang of the gate told us someone had left.”
noun + prep + noun
10. clang of metal
“We heard the clang of metal from the building site.”
noun + prep + noun
11. a hollow clang rang out
“A hollow clang rang out when the pot hit the floor.”
12. hear the clang of metal
“We could hear the clang of metal in the workshop.”
Etymology
1570, of imitative origin. Compare also Saterland Frisian Kloang, West Frisian klank, Dutch klank, German Klang (from klingen), Danish and Swedish klang, Latin clangere (“to resound”) (which probably influenced it).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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