rattled; rattling
ˈrat-liŋ 
ˈra-tᵊl-iŋ
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
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
3
Synonyms
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
Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024
Nothing can rattle your confidence as the moon and sun harmonize.
—USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024
Jovi Dai, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Bashful Bunny Ring Rattle $16 Nordstrom Jellycat’s ridiculously cute toys are slowly taking over the world, and this ring rattle is a rare pick that comes in under $20.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rattle 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Don’t be aggressive with calling, rattling, or decoying since reclusive bucks rarely respond well to those aggressive tactics.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 22 Nov. 2024
Nothing can rattle your confidence as the moon and sun harmonize.
—USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
On top of the periodic rattle of the transit trains and roar of sports fans, there’s the intrusion of illicit activities that keep him awake.
—Jovi Dai, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Bashful Bunny Ring Rattle $16 Nordstrom Jellycat’s ridiculously cute toys are slowly taking over the world, and this ring rattle is a rare pick that comes in under $20.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rattle
Dictionary Entries Near rattle
Cite this Entry
“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattle. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share