Definition

1. Noun:

   • A short, sharp sound: A brief, light, often metallic sound, like that of a switch being turned or two small hard objects touching.
   • A depression of a button: Specifically, the act of pressing a button on a computer mouse or other input device.
   • A mechanical catch: A hinged or spring-loaded device that engages with a notch, such as in a ratchet, to allow motion in one direction only or to hold position.

2. Verb:

   • To make a short, sharp sound: To produce a light, metallic, or snapping noise.
   • To press a button: To press and release a button on a mouse or similar device.
   • To become suddenly clear or understood: (Informal) For a fact or idea to be suddenly comprehended.
   • To get along well immediately: (Informal) For people to have an instant, positive connection or rapport.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • I heard a loud click when I locked the door.
  • Select the file with a single mouse click.

• Verb:

  • The camera will click when you take a picture.
  • Click the icon to open the program.
  • After hours of studying, the concept finally clicked.
  • We met and just clicked immediately; we've been friends ever since.

Advanced Usage

• "to click into place": To suddenly become clear or understood; or for a physical part to lock into its correct position.

  • Once he explained the final step, everything clicked into place.

• "to click with someone": To immediately have a good understanding or friendly relationship with someone.

  • I really clicked with my new roommate.

Variants and Related Words

• Clickable (adj): Capable of being clicked with a mouse or other pointing device.

  • The link is clickable.

• Double-click (v/n): The action of pressing a mouse button twice quickly.

  • Double-click the folder to open it.

• Clicker (n): A device that makes a clicking sound, often used for training animals or as a presentation remote.

Synonyms

• Snap: A sudden, sharp cracking sound or movement.
• Tick: A short, light, regularly repeated sound, like that of a clock.
• Press: To push down on a button or key.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Click on: To select something on a computer screen by pressing a mouse button.

  • Click on the "submit" button.

• Click through: To navigate to a new webpage by clicking on a link.

  • Many users clicked through to read the full article.

Related Idioms

• Click your heels: To bring your heels together smartly, often as a gesture of attention or in dance.

  • The soldier clicked his heels and saluted.

• Click one's tongue: To make a sharp sucking sound with the tongue against the roof of the mouth to express disapproval, sympathy, or to urge an animal.

  • She clicked her tongue in disappointment.

Noun

1. depression of a button on a computer mouse
   • a click on the right button for example
2. a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
3. a stop consonant made by the suction of air into the mouth (as in Bantu)
4. a short light metallic sound

Verb

1. become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
   • It dawned on him that she had betrayed him
   • she was penetrated with sorrow
2. make a clucking sounds, characteristic of hens
3. produce a click
   • Xhosa speakers click
4. cause to make a snapping sound
   • snap your fingers
5. click repeatedly or uncontrollably
   • Chattering teeth
6. make a clicking or ticking sound
   • The clock ticked away
7. move or strike with a noise
   • he clicked on the light
   • his arm was snapped forward