rattle

[ˈrætl]

rattle Definition

  • 1to make a series of short, sharp noises
  • 2to shake or cause something to shake
  • 3a baby's toy that makes a noise when shaken

Using rattle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rattle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The windows rattled in the wind.

  • Example

    She was so nervous that her teeth were rattling.

  • Example

    The baby was playing with a rattle.

  • Example

    The old car rattled down the road.

rattle Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for rattle

Phrases with rattle

  • a sound produced by someone who is dying and has difficulty breathing

    Example

    The family knew that the end was near when they heard the death rattle.

  • to say something quickly and without much effort

    Example

    He can rattle off all the capitals of the world.

  • rattle someone's cage

    to annoy or irritate someone

    Example

    The boss was trying to rattle his employees' cages to get them to work harder.

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Summary: rattle in Brief

The term 'rattle' [ˈrætl] refers to making short, sharp noises or shaking something. It can be used as a verb or noun, such as 'The windows rattled in the wind.' A 'rattle' can also refer to a baby's toy that makes noise when shaken. Phrases include 'death rattle,' which is a sound made by someone who is dying, 'rattle off,' meaning to say something quickly, and 'rattle someone's cage,' meaning to annoy or irritate someone.

How do native speakers use this expression?