clink

UK: klɪŋk | US: klɪŋk

Definition

  1. n. a sharp, metallic sound, like glasses or chains striking together

  2. vt./vi. to make or cause to make such a sound

Structure
clin <to ring>k <echoic suffix>
Etymology

clink = clin<to ring> + k<echoic suffix>

  • clin (to ring, from Middle English clinken, imitative of sharp sounds)
  • k (echoic suffix reinforcing the sharpness of the sound)

Etymology Origin:
Clink is an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sharp, metallic sound of objects like glasses or chains colliding. The Middle English clinken evolved from Proto-Germanic kling-, a root shared with words like clank and clang. The final -k intensifies the abruptness of the sound, making it distinctively crisp.

Examples

  1. The glasses made a cheerful clink as they toasted.

  2. She heard the clink of coins in his pocket.

  3. The prisoner rattled the bars with a loud clink.

  4. Keys clinked together as he pulled them out.

  5. The blacksmith’s hammer produced a rhythmic clink.