rataplan

noun

rat·a·plan ˈra-tə-ˌplan

: the iterative sound of beating

a rolling rataplan of drums—

Time

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

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Browse Nearby Words

Ratana Church

rataplan

rat-arsed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rataplan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rataplan. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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