clatter

1 of 2

verb

clat·​ter ˈkla-tər How to pronounce clatter (audio)
clattered; clattering; clatters

intransitive verb

1
: to make a rattling sound
the dishes clattered on the shelf
2
: to talk noisily or rapidly
3
: to move or go with a clatter
clattered down the stairs

transitive verb

: to cause to clatter
clatterer noun
clatteringly adverb

clatter

2 of 2

noun

1
: a rattling sound (as of hard bodies striking together)
the clatter of pots and pans
2
: commotion
the midday clatter of the business district
3
: noisy chatter
clattery adjective

Examples of clatter in a Sentence

Verb The shutters clattered against the house. He heard dishes clattering in the kitchen. The box dropped and dozens of marbles clattered across the floor. The wagon clattered down the road. Noun the clatter of a crowded cafeteria
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.
Verb
Emiliano Martinez had pulled off a miraculous save earlier in the half but was now lying on the floor after clattering into the post trying to save the header. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 In that moment of hesitation, the ball still at his feet, Brereton Diaz clatters into him from behind, his elbow raised. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 17 Aug. 2024
Noun
The morning rush was picking up at the Broadway Diner on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore on a recent Tuesday, with the clatter of plates, the hum of conversation, and server Lisa Bahm dashing from one table to the next. Shannon Lilly, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024 The series immerses viewers in the real grit and grind of restaurant life, from the deafening clatter of kitchen chaos to the exacting artistry of crafting the perfect sandwich. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clatter 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English clatren, from Old English *clatrian; of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clatter was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near clatter

Cite this Entry

“Clatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clatter. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

clatter

1 of 2 verb
clat·​ter ˈklat-ər How to pronounce clatter (audio)
1
: to make or cause to make a rattling sound
2
: to move with a clatter
clatterer noun
clatteringly adverb

clatter

2 of 2 noun
1
: a rattling sound (as of hard objects striking together)
the clatter of pots and pans
2
3
: noisy chatter
clattery adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on clatter

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!