Rattles: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a repeated short noise, often caused by small objects shaking together.

• The old window rattles whenever the wind blows.
• She likes the sound of the baby’s toy rattles.

Used to describe a series of loud, short noises made when hard objects hit each other.

• Dishes clatter in the sink as he washes them.
• The metal gate clatters in the wind.

Used to describe a sharp, repeated sound, often when two hard objects hit each other.

• The typewriter clacks while she writes her story.
• Her high heels clack on the marble floor.

Used to describe a light, high-pitched sound made when glasses or metal objects touch each other.

• They clink their glasses in a toast.
• The keys clink as he drops them on the table.

Used to describe a quick, sharp sound made when things shake inside a container or when something loose moves noisily.

• The old truck's engine started to rattle.
• The wind made the windows rattle in their frames.

This term generally refers to a specific type of noisemaking toy for babies that produces a sound when shaken. Can also imply a rapid succession of short, sharp noises.

• The baby giggled as she shook her rattles.
• The rattles in the box made it easy to locate the toy.

This is a broad term used to describe a wide variety of items designed to entertain and engage infants. It doesn't specify a type of toy but implies it's something safe and suitable for a baby.

• She filled the nursery with colorful baby toys.
• A new baby toy always brings a smile to his face.

This term is more general and often used to describe any device or object, not limited to children's toys, that produces a loud or continuous sound. It can have a negative connotation if the noise is annoying.

• The party was filled with laughter and the sounds of noisemakers.
• The noisemaker startled everyone in the quiet office.

This word is used when referring to a repeated, somewhat metallic noise, often made by something loose or shaky.

• The old window rattles every time the wind blows

This word is most suitable for describing a series of quick, loud noises caused by heavy objects falling or colliding.

• The dishes fell off the shelf with a clatter

This word is used to describe a loud, resonant metallic sound, usually from something being struck or colliding.

• The blacksmith's hammer made a loud clang with each strike on the anvil

This word is often used to describe a light, sharp, high-pitched sound created when small metal or glass objects touch each other.

• The glasses clinked together as everyone made a toast