Added 9 October 2026

rattle

/ˈɹæ.təl/ verb

In Latin: crepō Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about rattle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To create a rattling sound by shaking or striking.
to rattle a chain
To scare, startle, unsettle, or unnerve.
To make a rattling noise; to make noise by or from shaking.
I wish the dashboard in my car would quit rattling.

Object that rattles. Any of various plants of the genera Rhinanthus and Pedicularis, whose seeds produce a rattling noise in the wind. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller} A baby’s toy designed to make sound when shaken, usually containing loose grains or pellets in a hollow container. A musical instrument that makes a rattling sound. A device which produces a loud rattling sound, especially one having a ratchet mechanism and spun round on a handle. The set of rings at the end of a rattlesnake's tail which produce a rattling sound.
The rattle of the rattlesnake is composed of the hardened terminal scales, loosened in succession, but not cast off, and modified in form so as to make a series of loose, hollow joints.
Any of various plants of the genera Rhinanthus and Pedicularis, whose seeds produce a rattling noise in the wind. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
A baby’s toy designed to make sound when shaken, usually containing loose grains or pellets in a hollow container.

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).

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.