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Added 9 October 2026

clang

/ˈklæŋ/ noun

In Latin: clangor Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about clang at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A loud, ringing sound, like that made by free-hanging metal objects striking each other; usually, one considered more jarring than melodious.
Quality of tone. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
The cry of some birds, including the crane and the goose.

verb

To strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.
To give out a clang; to resound.
To utter a word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.

interjection

Imitative of a loud metallic ringing sound.
Said after someone has name-dropped (mentioned a famous person with whom they are acquainted).

Origin

1570, of imitative origin. Compare also Saterland Frisian Kloang, West Frisian klank, Dutch klank, German Klang (from German klingen), Danish and Swedish klang, Latin clangere (“to resound”) (which probably influenced it).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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