rattle

/ˈrætəl/
noun
  1. A series of short, sharp knocking sounds.
    • The rattle of the old engine told us it needed repair.
    • We could hear the rattle of dishes from the kitchen.
    • The rattle of the train on the tracks was oddly soothing.
  2. A baby's toy that makes a shaking noise when moved.
    • The rattle fell on the floor with a soft clatter.
    • He bought a colorful plastic rattle for his newborn niece.
    • The baby giggled and shook her rattle happily.
  3. The hard, hollow part at the end of a rattlesnake's tail that makes a buzzing sound when shaken.
    • We found a dried rattle on the hiking trail.
    • The snake shook its rattle as a sign of danger.
    • The rattlesnake's rattle warned us to stay back.
verb
  1. To make a series of short, sharp, knocking sounds, often because something is loose.
    • I could hear the keys rattle in his pocket as he walked.
    • The old window rattles every time the wind blows.
    • The train rattled along the tracks through the countryside.
  2. To shake something so that it makes a series of knocking sounds.
    • She rattled the jar of coins to see how full it was.
    • The wind rattled the shutters all night long.
    • He rattled the fence gate to check if it was locked.
  3. To make someone feel nervous, confused, or upset.
    • The loud crash rattled the children, and they started to cry.
    • Don't let his criticism rattle you; just keep doing your best.
    • The sudden question rattled the speaker during the presentation.
Antonyms