clickety-clack

[ klik-i-tee-klak ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a rhythmic, swiftly paced succession of alternating clicks and clacks, as the sound produced by the wheels of a train moving over tracks.

First recorded in 1875–80; metrical compound from click ¹, clack

I was plunged on the first day—not into “clickety-clack,” but “slippety-slip.”

Clickety clack, clickety clack, sang the loom; but you never saw such a tangle as the tangle made by the thin black cat.

Tony was able to read, “over to school,” such excerpts as the following: “The gingerbreadboy went clickety-clack down the road.”

Clickety clack, clickety clack; the loom never stopped for a moment.

“Those bright things that go clickety-clack,” said the bear.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse