click
Click (noun) means a short, sharp sound, like that made by a switch, latch, or a mouse button. Example: “The door shut with a soft click.”
How to Use Click
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBoth the short snapping sound and, today, the everyday action of pressing a mouse button or link online.
Word Forms
clicked past tense, clicked past tense, clicks plural, clicks plural, clicks plural, Clicks plural, clicks singular, clicks singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The door shut with a soft _____.
Etymology
An imitative word — it simply mimics the short, sharp sound itself, first recorded in the 1500s.
Related Words
Rhymes for click
See all rhymes for click →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “click” mean?
The word “click” means a short, sharp sound, like that made by a switch, latch, or a mouse button. In plain terms, both the short snapping sound and, today, the everyday action of pressing a mouse button or link online.
How do you pronounce “click”?
“Click” is pronounced klihk (/klɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “click” in a sentence?
Here is “click” used in a sentence: “The door shut with a soft click.”
What part of speech is “click”?
Depending on how it is used, “click” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “click” come from?
The word “click” dates back to around 1500. An imitative word — it simply mimics the short, sharp sound itself, first recorded in the 1500s.
Is “click” a common word?
“Click” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “click” have?
“Click” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, sharp sound, like that made by a switch, latch, or a mouse button.
What is the difference between a click and a tap?
A click is the short, sharp sound or action of pressing a mouse button, switch, or latch. A tap is a light touch, especially on a touchscreen phone or tablet. Online the two are often used interchangeably for selecting something, but strictly a click uses a mouse and a tap uses touch.
What does it mean when two people 'click'?
Figuratively, when two people click they connect quickly and easily, getting along as if they have known each other for years. It describes instant rapport or chemistry — a friendship or partnership that feels natural straight away. The image is of two parts snapping neatly together, like a latch clicking shut.
What kinds of things make a clicking sound?
Lots of small mechanical parts click as they snap into place: light switches, door latches, pen buttons, camera shutters, seatbelts, and computer mouse buttons. The sound is brief, sharp, and crisp. Any time a firm little part locks or releases, you tend to hear that characteristic click.