clink
Clink (noun) means a short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together. Example: “They raised their glasses with a clink to celebrate.”
How to use clink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA light ringing sound like glasses touching, or informally, jail.
Word forms
clinked past tense, clinked past tense, clinks plural, clinks plural, Clinks plural, clinks singular, clinks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They raised their glasses with a _____ to celebrate.
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.
Related words
Rhymes for clink
See all rhymes for 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.