noun
clink
klihngk
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.”
noun
1
A short, sharp ringing sound, as of glass or metal striking together.
"They raised their glasses with a clink to celebrate."
2
Informal term for prison.
"He spent a night in the clink after the bar fight."
verb
1
To make or cause a short ringing sound by striking metal or glass together.
"The coins clinked in his pocket as he walked."
How to use clink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA light ringing sound like glasses touching, or informally, jail.
Common pairings
clink of glasses
thrown in the clink
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Word forms
- Plural
- clinks
- Third person singular
- clinks
- Past tense
- clinked
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.
