Click

Definition

Click is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a short, sharp sound or the act of pressing a button on a computer mouse. As a verb, it means to make a clicking sound or to press a button on a mouse or other device.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klɪk/
• Respelling: klik

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klɪk/
• Respelling: klik

The pronunciation of "click" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "click" is imitative in origin, mimicking the short, sharp sound it describes. It entered English in the 17th century, originally describing a light tapping or snapping noise, and later expanded to include actions like pressing a mouse button.

Derivatives

• Clickable (adjective)
• Clicker (noun)
• Clicking (verb)
• Double-click (noun/verb)
• Click-through (noun)

Synonyms

• Tap
• Snap
• Press

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "click" is commonly used in both physical and digital contexts. For example, "She heard the click of the door lock" and "He clicked on the link to open the webpage."

Related Terms

• Press: To apply pressure on a button or key.
• Select: To choose an option, often by clicking.
• Mouse: A device used to interact with a computer, often by clicking.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A short, sharp sound, like that of a light tap or snap: Refers to a noise made by pressing a button or tapping a hard surface.
  • Example: "The click of her heels echoed in the hallway."
• The act of pressing a button on a mouse or other input device: Describes a common action used to select items on a computer screen.
  • Example: "A single click opens the file."

Verb

• To make a clicking sound: Used to describe the action of producing a short, sharp sound.
  • Example: "The camera clicked as it took the picture."
• To press a button on a mouse or other device: Refers to the action of selecting or interacting with digital content by pressing a button.
  • Example: "She clicked on the link to open the website."