clang

Meanings

1. A loud, ringing sound, like that made by free-hanging metal objects striking each other.
2. Quality of tone.
3. The cry of some birds, including the crane and the goose.
4. A word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.
5. Alternative form of klang.

1. To strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.
2. To give out a clang; to resound.
3. To utter a word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.

1. Imitative of a loud metallic ringing sound.
2. Said after someone has name-dropped (mentioned a famous person with whom they are acquainted).

Etymology

1570, of imitative origin. Compare also Saterland Frisian Kloang, West Frisian klank, Dutch klank, German Klang (from German klingen), Danish and Swedish klang, Latin clangere (“to resound”) (which probably influenced it).