clack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes onomatopoeic.
Quick answer
What does “clack” mean?
A short, sharp sound made by two hard objects hitting each other or a sudden impact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, sharp sound made by two hard objects hitting each other or a sudden impact.
Rapid, continuous, and often annoying sound; informal: to talk idly and incessantly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. 'Clack' as idle talk is slightly more established in US informal usage.
Connotations
The sound connotation is neutral; the 'talk' connotation is often negative (annoying, gossipy).
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. More common as a verb for sound than for talk.
Grammar
How to Use “clack” in a Sentence
[subject] clacks[subject] clacks against [object][subject] clacks [object] shut/open[subject] clacks on (about)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clack” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The clack of the gate announced her arrival.
- The only sound was the clack of billiard balls.
American English
- A loud clack came from the engine.
- The constant clack of her heels was irritating.
verb
British English
- The train's wheels clacked over the points.
- She clacked her knitting needles rhythmically.
- Stop clacking on about the weather!
American English
- The shutter clacked against the window frame.
- His keyboard clacked loudly in the quiet library.
- They just clacked their tongues in disapproval.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in informal descriptions of office noise (e.g., keyboards clacking).
Academic
Very rare, except in literary or descriptive passages.
Everyday
Describing sharp, sudden sounds (doors, heels, typing). Informal talk/gossip.
Technical
Used in engineering or acoustics to describe specific impact sounds.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clack”
- Using 'clack' for a dull thud. Confusing with 'clap' (hands) or 'crack' (breaking). Overusing for any repetitive sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's also an informal verb meaning to talk rapidly and idly, often with a negative connotation of gossip or annoyance.
'Clack' is often a single, sharper, drier sound than 'click'. 'Clatter' is a rapid series of clacking sounds.
No, it's almost exclusively for hard, dry objects (wood, metal, plastic).
It's a classic, somewhat dated descriptor for mechanical keyboards or typewriters, emphasizing the sound. Less common for modern quiet keyboards.
A short, sharp sound made by two hard objects hitting each other or a sudden impact.
Clack is usually informal, sometimes onomatopoeic. in register.
Clack: in British English it is pronounced /klæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clack your tongue (rare, disapproval)”
- “Clack away (talk continuously or make a continuous sound)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wooden train on a track - it goes CLACK-CLACK-CLACK.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS NOISY IMPACT (e.g., 'clacking on about politics').
Practice
Quiz
In informal usage, 'to clack on' means: