rataplan

noun

rat·​a·​plan ˈra-tə-ˌplan How to pronounce rataplan (audio)
: the iterative sound of beating
a rolling rataplan of drumsTime

Word History

Etymology

French, of imitative origin

First Known Use

circa 1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rataplan was circa 1848

Dictionary Entries Near rataplan

Cite this Entry

“Rataplan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rataplan. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!