clink
C1Informal for 'prison' meaning; Neutral for sound.
Definition
Meaning
A short, sharp, ringing sound, like that of small pieces of glass or metal striking together.
Informal term for prison, especially an old, small one. Also, a verb meaning to make such a sound, often by touching glasses together in a toast.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has two distinct primary senses: 1) Onomatopoeic for a sharp, light metallic/glass sound. 2) Slang for jail (originated from the Clink prison in Southwark, London). The prison sense is almost always used with 'the'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The prison sense is more established and recognisable in BrE due to its historical origin. In AmE, the sound sense is more dominant.
Connotations
The prison sense carries connotations of antiquity and British history. The verb for toasting is equally common in both.
Frequency
The sound-related meanings are medium-low frequency in both. The prison sense is low frequency and somewhat dated.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] clink ([together])clink [N] ([together])the clink of [N]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clink glasses.”
- “In the clink.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically: 'The deal was sealed with a clink of glasses.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical contexts referencing the prison.
Everyday
Common for describing light sounds and the act of toasting.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They clinked their pints together in a cheerful 'cheers!'.
- The ice clinked musically in the glass.
American English
- Let's clink glasses to celebrate the promotion.
- The keys clinked in his pocket as he walked.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The glass made a clink when I put it down.
- We clinked our cups.
- I heard the clink of coins from his pocket.
- They clinked their wine glasses to celebrate the birthday.
- The clink of cutlery was the only sound in the tense restaurant.
- After the robbery, he spent a night in the clink.
- The celebratory mood was underscored by the constant clink of champagne flutes.
- The threat of being thrown in the clink was enough to make him talk.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLINK sounds like the noise a LINK of a chain makes.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS CONTACT (for the noise); INSTITUTION AS PLACE (for the prison).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'клиника' (clinic).
- В значении 'тюрьма' — исторический сленг, а не общее слово как 'jail'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'clink' as a general word for any loud bang.
- Using 'the clink' to refer to a modern prison without ironic/historical intent.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'the clink' in the sentence: 'He was afraid his actions would land him in the clink.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a sound word it is neutral, but as a term for prison it is informal/slang.
No. It specifically describes a light, sharp, metallic or glassy ringing sound.
It originates from the name of a famous historical prison in Southwark, London, called 'the Clink'.
It is used fairly equally as both a noun (the clink of ice) and a verb (to clink glasses).