I. ˈkla-tər verb
Etymology: Middle English clatren, from Old English * clatrian; of imitative origin
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1. : to make a rattling sound
the dishes clatter ed on the shelf
2. : to talk noisily or rapidly
3. : to move or go with a clatter
clatter ed down the stairs
transitive verb
: to cause to clatter
• clat·ter·er -tər-ər noun
• clat·ter·ing·ly ˈkla-tə-riŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : a rattling sound (as of hard bodies striking together)
the clatter of pots and pans
2. : commotion
the midday clatter of the business district
3. : noisy chatter
• clat·tery ˈkla-tə-rē adjective