: a rapid succession of knocking, tapping, or cracking sounds

Examples of rat-a-tat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rat-a-tat back and forth when Sonny gives Yancy the gig, leading up to the reveal that the dude died on duty, is hilarious. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2024 And then once Vince became super interested, there is not a comedy writer, actor, comedian of a certain age that wasn’t influenced by the way that Vince Vaughn does the rat-a-tat kind of comedy. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rat-a-tat was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near rat-a-tat

Cite this Entry

“Rat-a-tat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rat-a-tat. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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