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Added 9 October 2026

clink

/klɪŋk/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about clink at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A short light metallic sound.
A correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence).

verb

Make a high sound typical of glass.
champagne glasses clinked to make a toast
Make or emit a high sound.
tinkling bells

Origin

From Middle English clinken, from Old English *clincan (compare clynnan, clynian (“to sound; resound”)), from Proto-Germanic *klinganą (“to sound”). Cognates include Middle Dutch klinken and German klingen. Related to cling (sound) and clang. May be further related to call. Perhaps of onomatopoeic origin, as metal against metal.

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

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