verb
clatter
KLA-tuh
Clatter (verb) means to make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds. Example: “The pans clattered to the floor when the shelf collapsed.”
verb
1
To make a rapid series of short, sharp banging or rattling sounds.
"The pans clattered to the floor when the shelf collapsed."
"Hooves clattered on the cobblestones outside."
noun
1
A loud rattling noise made by hard objects knocking together.
"There was a clatter of dishes from the kitchen."
How to use clatter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rattly, banging noise — or the act of making one.
Common pairings
clatter of pans
clatter down the stairs
a loud clatter
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- clatters
- Past tense
- clattered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pans _____ to the floor when the shelf collapsed.
Etymology
From Old English roots imitating the sound itself — like "clack" and "rattle," it's onomatopoeic in origin.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for clatter
See all rhymes for 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.
