click

click · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short, sharp sound.

  2. 2.

    To make or cause to make a short, sharp sound.

  3. 3.

    The act of pressing a computer mouse button or touchscreen.

  4. 4.

    To press a button on a computer mouse or touchscreen.

  5. 5.

    (informal) A unit of distance, especially a kilometer (military slang).

  6. 6.

    (informal) To suddenly understand or make sense.

Forms

plural: clicks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    click and collect — online ordering with in-store pickup
  • •
    click bait — online content designed to attract attention
  • •
    click through — to navigate using clicks
  • •
    it clicked — sudden understanding

Related words

See also: clicking, clicks, mouse, tap
Synonyms: snap, tap, tick

Etymology

Imitative origin, from Dutch "klikken" (to click, clatter). The word mimics the sharp sound it describes. The computing sense emerged in the 1980s with the widespread adoption of computer mice.