rattler

Everyday

1. (informal, US) A rattlesnake: a poisonous snake in the Americas that shakes the rattle on its tail to warn you. tree →
2. Something that rattles, like a baby's rattle or a noisy old car or train. tree →
3. (old, Australia/UK slang) A train, especially an old rattling one. tree →
4. (informal, old) An excellent or very lively thing: «a rattler of a story». tree →

In the lessons

In nature and safety lessons in the USA and Canada rattlers warn with a buzzing tail; stay back. In stories and westerns rattlers hide in rocks. Phrases: «a western diamondback rattler», «watch out for rattlers».

Examples

• The hiker froze when she heard the rattler's buzz. tree →
• Rattlers live in deserts and dry hills in the USA. tree →
• If you hear a rattler, back away slowly. tree →
• The old bus was a real rattler on the bumpy road. tree →
• Grandpa called the steam train «the old rattler». tree →
• A rattler shakes its tail to say «Keep away!» tree →

Note

Countable: rattler, rattlers. Informal; the proper name is rattlesnake. Safety: rattlesnake bites need hospital help at once; call 911 and keep the person still. Rattlesnakes live only in the Americas, not in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.