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
First Known Use: 14th century

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>.

Rhymes with RATTLE

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
2
a :  a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds
b :  noise, racket

First Known Use of RATTLE

1519

Rhymes with 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

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