1 C1 informal
Of a machine or engine: to stop functioning suddenly, often with a loud mechanical sound.
"The old truck klunked out right in the middle of the highway, leaving us stranded for hours."
klunk out
C1 informal intransitive
To stop working suddenly, typically said of a machine or engine.
In plain English
When a machine suddenly stops working and makes a clunking noise.
What does "klunk out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a klunking sound and stop working.
Actually means
When a machine suddenly stops working and makes a clunking noise.
Usage tip
Rare and non-standard variant of 'conk out.' The word 'klunk' is onomatopoeic, suggesting the heavy sound a machine makes when it fails. Highly informal and regional; not recommended for formal writing.
Words that pair with "klunk out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car engine machine computer generator suddenly
How to conjugate "klunk out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
klunk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
klunks out
he/she/it
Past simple
klunked out
yesterday
Past participle
klunked out
have + pp
-ing form
klunking out
continuous
Hear "klunk out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "klunk out"
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