clatter

American  

[klat-er] / ˈklæt ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a loud, rattling sound, as that produced by hard objects striking rapidly one against the other.

   The shutters clattered in the wind.

2. to move rapidly with such a sound.

   The iron-wheeled cart clattered down the street.

3. to talk fast and noisily; chatter.

   They clattered on and on about their children.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to clatter.

   clattering the pots and pans in the sink.

noun

1. a rattling noise or series of rattling noises.

   The stagecoach made a terrible clatter going over the wooden bridge.

2. noisy disturbance; din; racket.

3. noisy talk; din of voices.

   They had to shout over the clatter at the cocktail party.

4. idle talk; gossip.

clatter British  

/ ˈklætə /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a rattling noise, esp as a result of movement

2. (intr) to chatter

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noun

1. a rattling sound or noise

2. a noisy commotion, such as one caused by loud chatter

Other Word Forms

• clatterer noun
• clatteringly adverb
• clattery adjective

Etymology

Origin of clatter

before 1050; Middle English clateren, Old English clatr- (in clatrunge ); cognate with Dutch klateren to rattle; -er ⁶

Example Sentences

Plastic clattered on concrete, and someone cursed in . . . was that Choctaw?

From Literature

The hum of conversation around us dulls and washes out while the clattering sound of plates and glasses being stacked behind the bar gets sharper, making my ears ring.

From Literature

Just after midnight, when Clare had finally fallen asleep, he was jolted awake by a clatter of dishes in his kitchen.

From Literature

Emphasising that concept, musical motifs from Arirang appear on the album's opening track, Body To Body, harnessed to a clattering hip-hop beat.

From BBC

The tires on my faithful old bicycle had finally given out and I had joined the hundreds clattering about town on metal wheel rims.

From Literature

Related Words

• clang
• hurtle