rattler

noun

rat·​tler ˈrat-lər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
ˈra-tᵊl-ər
1
: one that rattles
2

Examples of rattler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said one of its officers in Huron County found the rattler in May. Li Cohen, CBS News, 7 June 2024 Two tendencies make the timber rattler particularly vulnerable. Thomas Palmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Timber rattlers, although big, are not the biggest rattlers. Thomas Palmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Wednesday's rattler ranked as the fifth most powerful earthquake to occur in Texas. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for rattler 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rattler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattler was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rattler

Cite this Entry

“Rattler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattler. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

rattler

noun
rat·​tler ˈrat-lər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər

More from Merriam-Webster on rattler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!