rattle

1. Singular

   A series of short, sharp sounds made in quick succession.

   • The distant sound of machine guns rattled through the air.

   • I heard the keys rattle in the lock.

   • The wind caused the blinds to rattle against the window frame.

2. Countable

   A toy designed to produce a rattling sound when shaken.

   • The infant was joyfully shaking the rattle in their hand.

   • She bought a wooden rattle as a gift.

   • Traditional rattles are typically made of wood or bamboo.

3. Countable

   A wooden instrument that makes a rattling noise when rotated.

   • He spun the rattle, creating a sharp, distinct sound.

   • Rattles are often used during festivities.

   • The sound of the rattle echoed in the air.

4. Countable

   The segmented structure at the end of a rattlesnake's tail that produces a rattling sound.

   • The rattlesnake shook its tail, producing a rattling sound.

   • The segments on the rattlesnake's tail can create a warning sound.

   • The rattles on a rattlesnake’s tail are made of a tough, hard substance.

emotion

1. Transitive

   To cause someone to feel anxious, worried, or disturbed.

   • The stress of the exam began to rattle him significantly.

   • The bad news really rattled her.

   • The sudden earthquake rattled the whole city’s population.

sound

1. TransitiveIntransitive

   To make a series of short, sharp sounds, or to cause something to do this.

   • The strong wind rattled the windows.

   • The old train rattled down the tracks.

   • He rattled the jar, and the contents inside made a clattering sound.

   More examples