click
klihk
Click (noun) means a short, sharp sound, like that made by a switch, latch, or a mouse button. Example: “I heard a click from the lock as the key turned.”
noun
1
A short, sharp sound, like that made by a switch, latch, or a mouse button.
"I heard a click from the lock as the key turned."
"The door shut with a soft click."
"She heard the click of the seatbelt as it locked into place."
verb
1
To press and release a button on a computer mouse, or to select something on a screen this way.
"Just click the button at the bottom of the page to send your answers."
"Click the icon to open the file."
"He accidentally clicked the wrong link."
2
To suddenly make sense or become clear.
"The maths problem was confusing until the last step suddenly clicked."
"When the teacher drew the diagram, the idea finally clicked in my head."
"Halfway through the lecture, everything just clicked for her."
3
To get along well with someone right away.
"My new flatmate and I clicked straight away and now we are close friends."
"They clicked on the first day of the course and have been inseparable since."
"The two of them clicked immediately at the party."
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.
Common pairings
click a button
click a link
things clicked
click with someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- clicks
- Third person singular
- clicks
- Past tense
- clicked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I heard a _____ from the lock as the key turned.
Etymology
An imitative word — it simply mimics the short, sharp sound itself, first recorded in the 1500s.
Class of 1500
click joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
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.
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