rattle
RA-tuhl
Rattle (verb) means to make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken. Example: “The old windows rattled every time a truck passed.”
verb
1
To make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken.
"The old windows rattled every time a truck passed."
"She rattled the tin to see if any coins were left inside."
2
To unsettle or unnerve someone, making them lose composure.
"The tough question clearly rattled the candidate."
"Don't let his sarcasm rattle you."
noun
1
A baby's toy that makes a shaking noise, or any object that produces that kind of noise.
"She shook the rattle to soothe the crying baby."
2
A rapid series of short, sharp sounds.
"A rattle from the engine told him something was loose."
How to use rattle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, sharp shaking noise — or, as a verb, to make that noise, or to fluster someone.
Common pairings
rattle the windows
baby rattle
rattle someone's nerves
a rattle in the engine
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Word forms
- Plural
- rattles
- Third person singular
- rattles
- Past tense
- rattled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old windows _____ every time a truck passed.
Etymology
From Middle English ratelen, likely echoing the sound itself (imitative), related to an Old English word for a rustling plant.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rattle
See all rhymes for 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.
