clatter

word

Definition

A loud, continuous, and often unpleasant noise made by hard objects hitting each other or falling.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used for sharp, metallic, or hard sounds, often from dishes, pots, machinery, or hooves. Not used for soft or background noise. Common collocations: 'the clatter of dishes', 'clatter down the stairs'. Can be a noun or verb ('the pans clattered to the floor').

Example Sentences

We heard the clatter of tools from the garage all afternoon.

natural

The clatter of plates woke me up.

basic

The horses' hooves made a loud clatter on the street.

basic

I dropped the pan and it fell with a clatter.

basic

She came home, keys clattering in her hand.

natural

Dishes clattered as the waiter rushed by.

natural