rattling
Americanadjective
-
that rattles.
a rattling door.
-
remarkably good, lively, or fast.
a rattling talk; a rattling gallop.
adverb
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of rattling
Explanation
A rattling is a quick, often unsteady, burst of sounds. The sound of a rattlesnake is a good example of a rattling. You know how a baby rattle sounds? That kind of quick collection of sounds can be called a rattling. A rattling is disjointed and fast. Some machines — like a car engine — make a rattling sound when they're broken. The rattling of a rattlesnake’s tail is a sign you could be in serious danger from this venomous snake. Sometimes a doctor will hear a rattling in the lungs that indicates a respiratory illness. A rattling can also be called a rattle.
Vocabulary lists containing rattling
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Muffled
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead, Becerra recited his resume with the vigor of someone rattling off his LinkedIn page.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
“While there is still uncertainty and saber rattling over the Iran conflict, markets are forward looking and currently looking forward,” said Rick Gardner, chief investment officer at RGA Investments in Raleigh.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
The blockade is rattling markets, but stocks are not giving up a lot of gains from last week, which came as the U.S. and Iran agreed on a cease-fire set to last two weeks.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
“There will be more saber rattling over the Strait this week, and that could rattle markets and extend this stock market correction.”
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
“I gotta go!” he shouted over the storm gusts rattling the windows.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
