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

death rattle, rattle off, rattle someone's cage

Formal and Informal Expressions of rattle

In different contexts, you can replace 'rattle' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'clatter, tremble' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shake, jiggle' is a commonplace synonym.

rattle: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for rattle

Antonyms for rattle

Phrases with rattle

death 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.
rattle off
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.