Meaning & use
clacking noise
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A repeated, sharp sound made when hard objects hit together, such as keys, heels, or machine parts.
Grammar: Used with 'a' or in the plural: 'a clacking noise', 'clacking noises'. Often followed by 'of' to show what makes the sound.
Patterns
- a clacking noise
- the clacking noise of something
- make a clacking noise
- hear a clacking noise
I heard a clacking noise coming from the engine.
The clacking noise of her heels on the floor annoyed him.
The old printer made a loud clacking noise.
Word forms
| plural | clacking noises |
|---|
Common combinations
- loud clacking noise
- The machine produced a loud clacking noise.
- make a clacking noise
- The keys make a clacking noise when you type quickly.
- hear a clacking noise
- From the other room, I could hear a clacking noise.
- clacking noise of heels
- The clacking noise of heels echoed in the hallway.
Synonyms and how they differ
- clicking
- Clicking is a lighter, sharper sound, often from small switches or mouse buttons, while clacking is heavier and more repetitive.
- clatter
- Clatter is a louder, more chaotic noise of many hard things falling or hitting, whereas clacking is more regular and rhythmic.
Word family
Commonly confused: clacking noise or clicking noise?
clacking noise vs clicking noise
Clicking noise is usually a single, quick sound like a switch, while clacking noise is a series of sharp sounds.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'clacking noise' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option An is correct because 'made a clacking noise' describes the action of tapping fingers. Option B is wrong because clacking is usually sharp, not soft and smooth. Option C is wrong because you hear a noise, not feel it. Option D is wrong because clacking noise is not a music genre.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clacking noise”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.