rattle

1 of 3

verb (1)

rat·​tle ˈra-tᵊl 

rattled; rattling ˈrat-liŋ 

ˈra-tᵊl-iŋ

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

rattle

2 of 3

noun

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

rattle

3 of 3

verb (2)

rattled; rattling ˈrat-liŋ 

ˈra-tᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to furnish with ratlines

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• clatter

Noun

• roar
• noise
• chatter

Choose the Right Synonym for rattle

embarrass, discomfit, abash, disconcert, rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding.

embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Examples of rattle in a Sentence

Verb (1)

the children tromped through the kitchen, making the plates on the shelf rattle

busily rattling away about our vacation plans, we didn't listen to the announcements and missed our flight

she rattled on and on about all her European shopping trips, but I wasn't really listening

don't let a little mistake rattle you while you're playing during the piano recital

Noun

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Their deals were a relief to a world economy rattled by trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

Last month, at least seven earthquakes rattled the coast of Alaska in a span of 24 hours. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Noun

Cutlery, rattles and cups are among the most popular choices as keepsake gifts for newborns. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

This siren’s song arises from the murmur of doves on an Arizona stock tank and the rattle of Indiana cornstalks. —Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel rattle

Verb (2)

irregular from ratline

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1519, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1729, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rattle

• death rattle
• rattle around
• rattle off
• rattle on
• rattle someone's cage
• rattle through

Rhymes for rattle

• battel
• battle
• brattle
• cattle
• chattel
• prattle
• tattle
• striatal

Kids Definition

rattle

1 of 2 verb

rat·​tle ˈrat-ᵊl 

rattled; rattling ˈrat-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to make or cause to make a rattle

windows rattling in the wind

2

: chatter sense 2

rattled on and on about the party

3

: to move with a rattle

the old truck rattled down the street

4

: to say or do in a brisk lively way

rattled off the answers

5

: to disturb the calmness of : upset

the question rattled the speaker

rattle

2 of 2 noun

1

: a series of short sharp sounds : clatter

2

: a device (as a toy) for making a rattling sound

3

: a rattling organ at the end of a rattlesnake's tail made up of horny joints

Medical Definition

rattle

noun

rat·​tle ˈrat-ᵊl 

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