Definition of RATTLE

rattle

Plural: rattles

Noun

  • a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
    • "the death rattle"
  • a baby's toy that makes percussive noises when shaken
  • loosely connected horny sections at the end of a rattlesnake's tail
  • Object that rattles.
  • Any of various plants of the genera Rhinanthus and Pedicularis, whose seeds produce a rattling noise in the wind.
  • Object that rattles.
  • A baby’s toy designed to make sound when shaken, usually containing loose grains or pellets in a hollow container.
  • Object that rattles.
  • A musical instrument that makes a rattling sound.
  • Object that rattles.
  • A device which produces a loud rattling sound, especially one having a ratchet mechanism and spun round on a handle.
  • Object that rattles.
  • The set of rings at the end of a rattlesnake's tail which produce a rattling sound.
  • Rattling sound.
  • A rapid succession of percussive sounds, as made by loose objects shaking or vibrating against one another.
  • Rattling sound.
  • Noisy, rapid talk; babble.
  • Rattling sound.
  • Trivial chatter; gossip.
  • Rattling sound.
  • A noisy, senseless talker; a jabberer.
  • Rattling sound.
  • A scolding; a sharp rebuke.
  • Rattling sound.
  • A rough noise produced in the throat by air passing through obstructed airways; croup; a death rattle.
  • Alternative form of rottol: a former Middle Eastern and North African unit of dry weight usually equal to 1–5 lb (0.5–2.5 kg).

Verb

Verb Forms: rattled, rattling, rattles

  • To make a quick succession of short, sharp sounds.
  • make short successive sounds
  • shake and cause to make a rattling noise
  • To create a rattling sound by shaking or striking.
  • To scare, startle, unsettle, or unnerve.
  • To make a rattling noise; to make noise by or from shaking.
  • To assail, annoy, or stun with a rattling noise.
  • To scold; to rail at.
  • To drive or ride briskly, so as to make a clattering.
  • To make a clatter with one's voice; to talk rapidly and idly; often with on or away.
  • To experience withdrawal from drugs.

Examples

  • His opponent tried to RATTLE him by taking an excessively long time for each move.
  • I wish the dashboard in my car would quit rattling.
  • I wish they would fix the rattle under my dashboard.
  • Rattle the can of cat treats if you need to find Fluffy.
  • She rattled on for an hour.
  • The rattle of the rattlesnake is composed of the hardened terminal scales, loosened in succession, but not cast off, and modified in form so as to make a series of loose, hollow joints.
  • to rattle a chain
  • We rattled along for a couple of miles.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English ratelen, of uncertain origin; perhaps borrowed from Middle Dutch ratelen or of native origin related to Old English hratele, hrætele (“a plant known for its rustling or rattling sound”), ultimately imitative. The noun (c. 1500) is from the verb.

Synonyms

rale, rattling

Scrabble Score: 6

rattle: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
rattle: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
rattle: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 7

rattle: valid Words With Friends Word