I. ˈklək verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: imitative
intransitive verb
1. : to make the noise of a brooding hen or a similar sound
2. : to make a clicking sound with the tongue often expressive of alarm, distress, or concern ; also : to express interest or concern
critics clucked over the new developments
transitive verb
1. : to call together, urge, or impel as a hen does her chicks
his mother clucked them hastily to their feet — T.H.Jones
2. : to express usually with interest or concern
clucked his approval of the victory
3. : to move (the tongue) in such a way as to produce clucks
the driver clucked his tongue and the horse started forward at a sharp trot
II. noun
( -s )
1. : the characteristic sound made by a hen especially in calling her chicks ; also : a sound resembling this
2. also cluck hen : a broody fowl
3. slang : a stupid or naïve person