# rattle

/ˈɹætəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈætəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rattle
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to make a series of short, sharp knocking sounds. You can also use it to describe making someone feel nervous or worried.

For teachers: to emit a rapid succession of short, percussive sounds through vibration or movement; figuratively, to disconcert or unnerve someone.

## Examples

- The old windows rattle whenever a large truck drives past.
- The sudden change in the exam format seemed to rattle the students, who had prepared for a different style of question.
- Loose stones began to rattle against the underside of the car as we transitioned from the paved highway to the neglected mountain track.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The noise rattled to me." but "The noise rattled me." — When used to mean 'make nervous', the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.

## Usage notes

- Can be used intransitively for the sound or transitively when meaning to make someone nervous.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.