Usually that sound means a low battery.
The clicking is caused by the battery voltage dropping below 9 volts, due to the load drawn by the starter, when the starter solenoid engages. The low voltage isn't enough to keep the solenoid energized and its spring returns it, thus cutting power to the starter. Absent the starter's load, voltage is restored, energizing the start solenoid and the cycle repeats.
In any case, when the battery gets that low you usually need to leave the jumper cables connected for 5-10 minutes before trying to start it.
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