clatter

Everyday

1. To clatter is to make a loud, rattling noise as hard things bang against each other, like falling pans or shoes on stairs. tree →
2. A clatter is that loud, rattling noise. tree →
3. To clatter somewhere is to move noisily («clatter down the stairs»). tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a clatter tells the reader something fell or someone is arriving noisily: dishes, hooves, a dropped tray. In writing lessons it is an example of onomatopoeia, a word that sounds like its meaning. Everyday: the clatter of plates in the school canteen.

Examples

• The pans clattered to the floor. tree →
• We heard the clatter of horses' hooves on the road. tree →
• He clattered down the stairs in his boots. tree →
• The tray fell with a loud clatter. tree →
• The train clattered over the bridge. tree →
• There was a clatter of cutlery in the dining hall. tree →
• The bike clattered when the chain came off. tree →
• They rushed clattering into the hut, exclaiming, ‘We smell human flesh! tree →

Note

Regular verb: clattered. Close to «rattle» and «clang»; «clatter» is many quick bangs. Do not confuse with «clutter» (a messy pile of things).