clatter
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for clatter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds.
“The pans clattered to the floor when the shelf collapsed.”
2. noun
A loud rattling noise made by hard objects knocking together.
“There was a clatter of dishes from the kitchen.”
Opposites
How to use clatter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clatter of pans
clatter down the stairs
a loud clatter
Etymology
From Old English roots imitating the sound itself — like "clack" and "rattle," it's onomatopoeic in origin.
Full origin of clatter →Frequently asked questions
What does “clatter” mean?
The word “clatter” means to make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds. In plain terms, a rattly, banging noise — or the act of making one.
How do you pronounce “clatter”?
“Clatter” is pronounced KLA-tuh (/ˈklæɾɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clatter” in a sentence?
Here is “clatter” used in a sentence: “The pans clattered to the floor when the shelf collapsed.”
What part of speech is “clatter”?
Depending on how it is used, “clatter” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “clatter” come from?
The word “clatter” comes from Old English. From Old English roots imitating the sound itself — like "clack" and "rattle," it's onomatopoeic in origin.
How many meanings does “clatter” have?
“Clatter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds.
