Definitions

1. noun

the sound of a bell or a drum, especially a large drum in a jazz band, typically played with a stick or mallet, or the sound of a ship’s bell striking

“The jazz band played a loud tonk on the drums to signal the start of the concert.”

2. verb

to strike (a bell or a drum) with a stick or mallet, typically to signal a time or occasion

“The sailor tonked the ship’s bell to signal the end of the day.”

3. verb

to make a loud, sharp noise, typically with one’s mouth

“The child tonked her lips to get the attention of the teacher.”