rattle

¹rat·tle

verb \ˈra-t^əl\

rat·tledrat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ, ˈra-t^əl-iŋ\

Definition of RATTLE

intransitive verb

1

: to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises <the windows rattled in the wind>

2

: to chatter incessantly and aimlessly

3

: to move with a clatter or rattle; also : to be or move about in a place or station too large or grand <rattled around the big old house>

transitive verb

1

: to say, perform, or affect in a brisk lively fashion <rattled off four magnificent backhands — Kim Chapin>

2

: to cause to make a rattling sound

3

: rouse; specifically : to beat (a cover) for game

4

: to upset especially to the point of loss of poise and composure : disturb

Origin of RATTLE

Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel rattle

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with RATTLE

battle, brattle, cattle, chattel, prattle, tattle

²rattle

noun

Definition of RATTLE

1

a : a device that produces a rattle; specifically : a case containing pellets used as a baby's toy

b : the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail

2

a : a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds

b : noise, racket

3

: death rattle

Examples of RATTLE

1. <I'd go nuts if I had to endure the rattle of that bottling plant every day.>

First Known Use of RATTLE

1519

Related to RATTLE

Synonyms

babel, blare, bluster, bowwow, brawl, bruit [archaic], cacophony, chatter, clamor, clangor, decibel(s), din, discordance, katzenjammer, racket, noise, roar

Antonyms

quiet, silence, silentness, still, stillness

Related Words

discord, dissonance; commotion, furor, hubbub, hullabaloo, hurly-burly, rumpus, tumult, uproar; clatter, jangle; bang, blast, boom, clap, crack, crash

Near Antonyms

calm, hush, lull; quietude, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility)

Rhymes with RATTLE

battle, brattle, prattle, tattle

³rattle

transitive verb

rat·tledrat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ, ˈra-t^əl-iŋ\

Definition of RATTLE

: to furnish with ratlines

Origin of RATTLE

irregular from ratline

First Known Use: 1729

rat·tle

noun \ˈrat-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RATTLE

1

: the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail

2

: a throat noise caused by air passing through mucus; specifically : death rattle—compare rale, rhonchus