Rattle
/ˈræ.təl/noun
A rapid succession of short, sharp noises.
Did you know?The word 'rattle' is linked to the concept of shaking spirits awake, a practice used in ancient rituals to communicate with the otherworld.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rēd-
“to move, to flow, to shake”
Old English
Old English
hrǣtlan
“to make a noise, shake or rattle”
Middle English
Middle English
ratlen
“to make a rattling noise, to clatter”
16th Century
English
rattle
“a device or sound to create noise, often associated with children's toys or alarm sounds”
Modern English
English
rattle
“to produce a series of sharp sounds, often indicating agitation or disturbance”