Klunk

/klʌŋk/ noun, verb

Definition

A dull metallic sound, like something heavy hitting something else; to make such a sound, or to strike heavily.

Etymology

Onomatopoeia—a word that imitates the sound it represents. 'Klunk' entered English in the early 20th century from the actual sound of metal hitting metal.

Kelly Says

Onomatopoeia words like 'klunk' are different in every language—English speakers hear 'klunk' but Japanese speakers hearing the same sound might say 'kin' or 'kon,' which shows how our language shapes what we literally hear!

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