/ ˈklætə(r); NAmE / verb
1.
[ v ] if hard objects clatter , they knock together and make a loud noise :
He dropped the knife and it clattered on the stone floor.
Her cup clattered in the saucer.
2.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] to move making a loud noise like hard objects knocking together :
The cart clattered over the cobbles.
She heard him clattering around downstairs.
► clat·ter (also clat·ter·ing ) noun [ sing. ]:
the clatter of horses' hoofs
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English (as a verb), of imitative origin.