rattle
2 synonyms for rattle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken.
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 knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken.
“The old windows rattled every time a truck passed.”
How to use rattle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rattle the windows
baby rattle
rattle someone's nerves
a rattle in the engine
Etymology
From Middle English ratelen, likely echoing the sound itself (imitative), related to an Old English word for a rustling plant.
Full origin of rattle →Frequently asked questions
What does “rattle” mean?
The word “rattle” means to make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken. In plain terms, a short, sharp shaking noise — or, as a verb, to make that noise, or to fluster someone.
How do you pronounce “rattle”?
“Rattle” is pronounced RA-tuhl (/ˈɹæ.təl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rattle” in a sentence?
Here is “rattle” used in a sentence: “The old windows rattled every time a truck passed.”
What part of speech is “rattle”?
Depending on how it is used, “rattle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “rattle” come from?
The word “rattle” comes from Old English. From Middle English ratelen, likely echoing the sound itself (imitative), related to an Old English word for a rustling plant.
Is “rattle” a common word?
“Rattle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rattle” have?
“Rattle” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken.
