English Dictionary

Definition of “clatter

clatter (ˈklætəPronunciation for clatter

Definitions

verb

  1. to make or cause to make a rattling noise, esp as a result of movement
  2. (intr) to chatter

noun

  1. a rattling sound or noise
  2. a noisy commotion, such as one caused by loud chatter

Alternative Forms

ˈclatterer noun ˈclatteringly adverb ˈclattery adjective

Word Origin

Old English clatrung  clattering (gerund); related to Dutch klateren  to rattle, German klatschen  to smack, Norwegian klattra to knock

Usage examples

  • Rhodry found himself wincing every time, but they never heard any answering clatter from within.
    Kerr, Katharine, A Time of War (1993)
  • An afternoon clatter of thunder and some impressive lightning streaks made for an eventful and wet day for all 898 boats competing today.
    Yachting Boating World (2004)
  • When he looked in on him again at 6 a. m., Tagg found him still snoozing, in spite of all the clatter about him.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Now Rollerbladers clatter over the deserted terraces of the partly demolished grandstand.
    Times, Sunday Times (2001)
  • It smelled and sounded alien, acoustic clatter bouncing from its linoleum floors and utilitarian walls.
    James Fergusson, KANDAHAR COCKNEY: A Tale of Two Worlds (2004)

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