rattler

noun

rat·​tler ˈrat-lər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
ˈra-tᵊl-ər
1
: one that rattles
2

Examples of rattler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike the state’s other venomous snake, the timber rattler, which likes the woodlands, the copperhead isn’t found so much in the northeast or northwest corners of Connecticut. Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2024 The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said one of its officers in Huron County found the rattler in May. Li Cohen, CBS News, 7 June 2024 Two tendencies make the timber rattler particularly vulnerable. Thomas Palmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Timber rattlers, although big, are not the biggest rattlers. Thomas Palmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for rattler 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rattler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattler was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rattler

Cite this Entry

“Rattler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattler. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

rattler

noun
rat·​tler ˈrat-lər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər

More from Merriam-Webster on rattler

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