rattler

noun

rat·​tler ˈra-tᵊl-ər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
ˈrat-lər
1
: one that rattles
2
: rattlesnake

Examples of rattler 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.
Bossche says the encounter with the rattler hasn't scared her off the trails for good. — Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 One day, state law enforcement officers showed up at his home and seized more than a dozen of his rattlers, plus other reptiles. — Kurtis Alexander, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Feb. 2026 Not a rattler, but a baby boa constrictor (named Little Bitch). — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 May 2026 Ultimately, alerting humans to their presence might not have been the best approach for the rattlers. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattler

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattler was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

rattlepod
rattler
rattleroot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rattler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattler. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rattler

noun
rat·​tler ˈrat-lər How to pronounce rattler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər
: rattlesnake

More from Merriam-Webster on rattler

Nglish: Translation of rattler for Spanish Speakers

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