rattler

American  

[rat-ler] / ˈræt lər /

noun

1. a rattlesnake.

2. a person or thing that rattles. rattle.

3. Informal. a fast freight train.

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rattler British  

/ ˈrætlə /

noun

1. something that rattles

2. an informal name for rattlesnake

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Etymology

Origin of rattler

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; rattle ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Some controllers call this shift schedule the “rattler,” because of the way it can disrupt their sleep rhythms and negatively affect their mental health.

From The Wall Street Journal

There actually were 20 snakes — five adult western diamondback rattlers and 15 babies.

From Seattle Times

Many controllers call the schedule “the rattler” because like the snake, it has a nasty bite.

From Seattle Times

I do not have an inordinate fear of snakes, not even rattlers.

From Literature

The ends of the rainbows touched down in the rolling fields below me, no place green enough to hide a leprechaun but a fair swap for living with rattlers.

From Salon