rattle

Meanings

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

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.

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

Words With Friends Score: 7

rattle is a valid Words With Friends word