clangour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Formal
Quick answer
What does “clangour” mean?
A continuous loud, resonant, metallic ringing sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A continuous loud, resonant, metallic ringing sound.
A loud, harsh, often disturbing noise suggesting conflict or alarm; can be used metaphorically for a public outcry or heated debate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: The standard spelling is 'clangour' (noun) and 'clangour'/'clangor' can be used as a verb. US: The standard spelling for both noun and verb is 'clangor'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a harsh, unpleasant noise.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more common in UK English due to the preservation of the '-our' spelling.
Grammar
How to Use “clangour” in a Sentence
[subject] + verb + with + the clangour of + [source]The clangour + verb + [adverbial]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clangour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The great bells began to clangour across the city.
- The protestors' chants clangoured against the walls of parliament.
American English
- The fire alarm clangored through the empty halls.
- Swords clangored against shields in the reenactment.
adverb
British English
- The hammer fell clangorously on the anvil.
- The gates shut clangorously behind them.
American English
- The metal gates swung shut clangorously.
- The cymbals crashed clangorously at the climax.
adjective
British English
- The clangorous noise of the factory was relentless.
- A clangorous peal announced the monarch's arrival.
American English
- The clangorous din made conversation impossible.
- He was startled by the clangorous alarm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in literary analysis, historical descriptions of industry or battle.
Everyday
Very rare.
Technical
Could appear in sound engineering or descriptions of industrial processes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clangour”
- Misspelling as 'clanger' (which is a mistake/blunder).
- Using it for pleasant bell sounds ('peal' is better).
- Overusing in general contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is overwhelmingly negative or neutral, describing a loud, harsh, often jarring noise. It is rarely used for pleasant sounds.
'Clangour' implies a louder, more resonant, metallic ringing (like bells or swords). 'Clatter' suggests a rapid succession of short, sharp, often non-metallic sounds (like dishes or hooves).
Yes, though it's rare. It means to make a loud, resonant clanging sound. The US spelling is 'clangor', the UK spelling can be 'clangour' or 'clangor'.
No, it is a low-frequency, literary word. In everyday speech, 'loud clanging noise' or 'din' would be more common substitutes.
A continuous loud, resonant, metallic ringing sound.
Clangour is usually literary, formal in register.
Clangour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklaŋɡə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæŋɡər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To raise a clangour (archaic, meaning to create an uproar)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLANGing ANGel hitting a gong with great vigOUR; the CLANG-OUR is deafening.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT IS LOUD NOISE / ALARM IS A CLANGING SOUND
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'clangour' MOST appropriately?