Entry Word: rattle

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to make a series of short sharp noises <the children tromped through the kitchen, making the plates on the shelf rattle>

Synonyms clack, clatter

Related Words chink, chirp, clank, click, clink; clang, clash, crash; spatter, sputter

2 to engage in casual or rambling conversation <one minute Adam was rattling away about his day at kindergarten, and the next minute he was sound asleep> — see chat
3 to talk at length without sticking to a topic or getting to a point <she rattled on and on about various vacations and all her shopping trips, but I wasnʼt listening> — see ramble 1
4 to throw into a state of self-conscious distress <donʼt let a little mistake rattle you while youʼre playing during the piano recital> — see embarrass 1