# clank

/ˈkɫæŋk/ (US) · /klˈæŋk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clank
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a short, loud sound made when metal hits metal, like a gate closing.

For teachers: a short, sharp metallic sound produced when two hard metal objects strike each other.

## Examples

- The old gate makes a loud clank when it shuts.
- He drops the wrench on the garage floor and it lands with a dull clank that echoes.
- Each time the freight train passes over the loose joint, the rails give a hollow clank that travels through the quiet night air.

## Synonyms

clang, clash

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.