clink
9 synonyms for clink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together.
“They raised their glasses with a clink to celebrate.”
How to use clink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clink of glasses
thrown in the clink
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning "to sound" or "ring," related to "cling" (in the sound sense) and "clang" — likely imitative of the noise metal makes striking metal.
Full origin of clink →Frequently asked questions
What does “clink” mean?
The word “clink” means a short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together. In plain terms, a light ringing sound like glasses touching, or informally, jail.
How do you pronounce “clink”?
“Clink” is pronounced klihngk (/klɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “clink” in a sentence?
Here is “clink” used in a sentence: “They raised their glasses with a clink to celebrate.”
What part of speech is “clink”?
Depending on how it is used, “clink” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clink” come from?
The word “clink” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning "to sound" or "ring," related to "cling" (in the sound sense) and "clang" — likely imitative of the noise metal makes striking metal.
How many meanings does “clink” have?
“Clink” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together.
