Clunk: meaning, definitions and examples

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clunk

[klʌŋk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound

A dull, metallic sound, often made by two heavy objects hitting each other.

Synonyms

clang, thud, thump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clunk	Use 'clunk' to describe a heavy, dull sound that is typically associated with machinery or something metallic falling or coming into contact. The old car gave a clunk as it hit the pothole. I heard a clunk coming from the washing machine.
thud	Use 'thud' to describe a heavy, dull sound made by something solid hitting a surface, often indicating weight and impact. The book fell off the shelf with a thud. He dropped the bag on the floor with a heavy thud.
clang	Use 'clang' to describe a loud, resonant, and metallic sound. It often indicates something metal striking against another hard surface. The school bell clanged loudly, signaling the end of the recess. I accidentally dropped the pan, and it made a big clang on the floor.
thump	Use 'thump' to describe a dull, heavy sound made by something hitting a surface with force, often used to convey a repetitive or rhythmic impact. I could hear the thump of the basketball against the court. She gave the door a thump to get someone's attention.

Examples of usage

I heard a clunk coming from the garage.
The clunk of the metal door closing echoed through the room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A mistake or error, especially a noticeable or glaring one.

Synonyms

blunder, error, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clunk	Used to describe a dull, heavy sound, typically when something metal or hard falls or hits something else. I heard a clunk as the wrench fell to the ground. The door closed with a clunk, echoing through the hallway.
error	Commonly used to describe a mistake made in a more formal or technical context, such as in computing or a procedural task. A critical error caused the system to crash. The report was delayed due to a calculation error.
mistake	A general term for any wrong action or decision, often used in everyday conversation and applicable to various situations. I made a mistake on my homework. It was a mistake to leave without saying goodbye.
blunder	Refers to a serious or embarrassing mistake, often made due to carelessness or lack of judgment. Usually carries a negative connotation. He made a terrible blunder by forgetting his own anniversary. The company's financial blunder cost them millions.

Examples of usage

There was a clunk in the system that caused the entire program to crash.
His speech was full of clunks and stumbles.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

sound

To make a dull, metallic sound.

Synonyms

clang, thud, thump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clunk	Repeating, as it is the same as the first entry, often describing a heavy, ungraceful sound. The old machine made a clunking noise every time it started
thud	When illustrating a heavy but softer sound as compared to 'clunk'. Usually describes an object falling or hitting a surface in a significantly muted manner. He dropped the bag of sand on the ground with a muffled thud
clang	When referring to a loud, resonant metallic sound usually produced by striking metal objects together. It often suggests a sharp, clear noise. She accidentally hit the metal gate with her bike, producing a sharp clang
thump	To depict a deep, rhythmic sound often associated with something large or heavy making contact repetitively, or a single heavy impact. The bouncing ball hit the floor with a loud thump

Examples of usage

The old car engine clunked as it struggled to start.
The heavy box clunked as it was set down on the floor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'clunk' originated in the early 20th century, likely imitating the sound it describes.
It is a blend of 'clank' and 'thunk', highlighting the sound made by heavy objects.
The use of onomatopoeia, where the word sounds like what it means, is common in English.

Sound and Physics

Sound waves from a 'clunk' travel through different mediums, affecting how far away the sound can be heard.
The perception of a 'clunk' can vary based on the material of the object falling, with metal typically producing a louder sound than wood.
The phenomenon of 'dampening' can reduce the intensity of a clunk sound, such as when carpet absorbs the noise of a falling object.

Pop Culture

In movies and cartoons, a 'clunk' sound often signifies a comedic mishap, enhancing the humor of a character’s blunder.
The sound of 'clunk' is frequently used in animation to portray heavy actions, making the scene feel exaggerated and funny.
Various video games use the sound of clunking to signify the interaction between characters and heavy objects, enriching player experience.

Literature

The sound of 'clunk' is used by authors to create a vivid auditory image, making scenes more dynamic and realistic.
Poets often utilize the word to evoke feelings of weight and gravity, connecting readers to the physicality of the moment.
In children's literature, 'clunk' can be part of playful, rhyming text, making reading fun and engaging.

Psychology

'Clunk' can trigger certain emotions; a loud clunk might cause surprise or alarm, while a softer version could indicate safety.
Sounds like 'clunk' can be associated with accident or injury, evoking innate protective instincts from early childhood.
Studies show that sounds often impact mood; the sound of a clunk can create a sense of tension or sudden change in a narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "clunk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ruído metálico

🇮🇳 धातु की आवाज़

🇩🇪 Krachen

🇮🇩 bunyi dentuman

🇺🇦 гуркіт

🇵🇱 brzęk

🇯🇵 ガチャン

🇫🇷 bruit métallique

🇪🇸 estruendo

🇹🇷 çatırtı

🇰🇷 덜컹 소리

🇸🇦 صوت معدني

🇨🇿 rachot

🇸🇰 rachot

🇨🇳 咔嚓声

🇸🇮 kovinski zvok

🇮🇸 skellur

🇰🇿 құлаққа жағымсыз дыбыс

🇬🇪 თამაში

🇦🇿 metal səsi

🇲🇽 estruendo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,537, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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35534 gentil
35535 binnacle
35536 xerographic
35537 clunk
35538 reforested
35539 castigating
35540 jejune
...