Rattle

/ˈrætl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A rapid succession of short, sharp noises.

The rattle of the wind against the windows kept me awake all night.

A shaking sound made by certain objects or animals, like a rattlesnake.

We heard the rattle of the rattlesnake before we saw it.

verb

To make a rapid succession of short, sharp noises.

The truck rattled loudly as it drove over the potholes.

To disturb or agitate someone, causing anxiety or nervousness.

The unexpected news rattled her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

To knock together sharply or make noise by moving quickly.

He rattled the keys in his pocket as he walked.

Middle English, from the Old English 'rǣttan' meaning to shake.

rattle someone's cage:

To annoy or provoke someone.

rattle off:

To say something quickly and without much effort.

rattle your bones:

To create a frightening or unsettling sound.

To complain or gossip excessively.

All they do is rattle on about the same old stories.

To be startled or shocked.

I was rattled when I heard the news.