rattle

noun
UK: /ˈrætl/
US: /ˈrætl/

  1. A series of short, sharp knocking sounds.

    1. I heard a rattle, and then the door opened.
    2. The old car's engine developed a strange rattle, which worried the driver.

  2. A baby's toy that makes a noise when shaken.

    1. The baby loves his rattle.
    2. She shook the colorful rattle to entertain the infant in her arms.

  3. A thing used to make a series of short, sharp knocking sounds, especially as a warning or to attract attention.

    1. He shook his rattle to warn them about the danger.
    2. The watchman used a loud rattle to alert the townspeople of the impending fire.

Synonyms

clatter babble unnerve disconcert chatter fluster
rattle verb

  1. To make a series of short, sharp knocking sounds.

    1. The window began to rattle in the wind.
    2. Loose parts on the bicycle started to rattle loudly as he rode over bumps.

  2. To shake something so that it makes a series of short, sharp knocking sounds.

    1. He began to rattle the door handle.
    2. The burglar tried to rattle the locked window in an attempt to break into the house.

  3. To worry or upset someone.

    1. The bad news did not rattle her.
    2. The intense pressure of the competition did not rattle the experienced athlete.

  4. To speak rapidly and without thinking carefully.

    1. He can rattle off facts about history.
    2. The politician could rattle off statistics and figures to support his arguments.
rattle transitive-verb

  1. To cause someone to feel nervous or worried.

    1. I rattled him with my questions.
    2. The constant interruptions during the interview clearly rattled the candidate.
rattle intransitive-verb

  1. To make or cause a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds.

    1. The train rattles along the tracks.
    2. During the earthquake, the dishes in the cupboard began to rattle violently.
rattle adjective

  1. Done or made rapidly and carelessly.

    1. She gave a rattle answer.
    2. He gave a rattle explanation as he had little time to explain.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rattle" in English means: A series of short, sharp knocking sounds., A baby's toy that makes a noise when shaken., A thing used to make a series of short, sharp knocking sounds, especially as a warning or to attract attention..

The phonetic transcription of "rattle" is /ˈrætl/ in British English and /ˈrætl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rattle": clatter, babble, unnerve, disconcert, chatter, fluster.

Example usage of "rattle": "I heard a rattle, and then the door opened.". More examples on the page.