First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rattle
verb rat·tle \ˈra-təl\
rat·tledrat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ, ˈra-təl-iŋ\
Definition of RATTLE
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
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Origin of RATTLE
Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel rattle
Synonym Discussion of RATTLE
embarrass, discomfit, abash, disconcert, rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding. embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action <embarrassed to admit that she liked the movie>. 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>.
2rattle
noun
: a series of short, loud sounds
: a baby's toy that makes a series of short sounds when it is shaken
: the group of hard, loose pieces (called scales) that cover the end of a rattlesnake's tail
Full Definition of RATTLE
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
See rattle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RATTLE
1519
Related to RATTLE
3rattle
verb
rat·tledrat·tling \ˈrat-liŋ, ˈra-təl-iŋ\
Definition of RATTLE
transitive verb
: to furnish with ratlines
Origin of RATTLE
irregular from ratline
First Known Use: 1729
RATTLE Defined for Kids
1rattle
verb rat·tle \ˈra-təl\
rat·tledrat·tling
Definition of RATTLE for Kids
1
: to make or cause to make a rapid series of short sharp sounds <Wind rattled the windows.>
2
: to move with a clatter <A wagon rattled down the road.>
3
: to speak or say quickly or without stopping <He rattled off the answers.>
4
: to disturb the calmness of : upset <The question rattled the speaker.>
2rattle
noun
Definition of RATTLE for Kids
1
: a series of short sharp sounds <the rattle of dishes>
2
: a toy that makes a rattling sound
3
: a part at the end of a rattlesnake's tail that makes a buzzing rattle when shaken
Medical Dictionary
rattle
noun rat·tle \ˈrat-əl\
Medical Definition of RATTLE
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
Learn More About RATTLE
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