Rattle around
verb
To move around making a lot of noise.
There's something rattling around in the back of my car.
Often appears as...
- rattle around in the car
- rattle around in the drawer
verb
To be or move in a place or space that is too large or empty.
He's been rattling around that big house all by himself ever since his wife died.
Often appears as...
- rattle around the house
- rattle around the office
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To move around making a lot of noise.
There's something rattling around in the back of my car.
Often appears as...
- rattle around in the car
- rattle around in the drawer
verb
To be or move in a place or space that is too large or empty.
He's been rattling around that big house all by himself ever since his wife died.
Often appears as...
- rattle around the house
- rattle around the office
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Auditory Imagery
Use 'rattle around' to describe sounds that imply loose, unsecured objects in an empty space.
When I shook the present, I heard something rattle around inside.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Speech
'Rattle around' is more common in spoken English and informal settings.
I could hear coins rattling around in his pocket as he walked.
Pro Tip 3/3Indicating Disarray
'Rattle around' can imply a lack of organization or that something is out of place.
She heard the keys rattle around in her bag and couldn't find them.
Pro Tip 1/3Auditory Imagery
Use 'rattle around' to describe sounds that imply loose, unsecured objects in an empty space.
When I shook the present, I heard something rattle around inside.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Speech
'Rattle around' is more common in spoken English and informal settings.
I could hear coins rattling around in his pocket as he walked.
Pro Tip 3/3Indicating Disarray
'Rattle around' can imply a lack of organization or that something is out of place.
She heard the keys rattle around in her bag and couldn't find them.
Pro Tip 1/3Auditory Imagery
Use 'rattle around' to describe sounds that imply loose, unsecured objects in an empty space.
When I shook the present, I heard something rattle around inside.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Speech
'Rattle around' is more common in spoken English and informal settings.
I could hear coins rattling around in his pocket as he walked.
Pro Tip 3/3Indicating Disarray
'Rattle around' can imply a lack of organization or that something is out of place.
She heard the keys rattle around in her bag and couldn't find them.
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