What does clattering mean?
Clattering denotes the loud, repetitive rattling produced when hard objects collide — think of dishes being stacked, hooves striking pavement, or a dropped pan bouncing across tiles. It functions both as a noun describing the noise itself and as the present participle of the verb 'to clatter'. The word is strongly onomatopoeic: its sound mirrors the noise it names. Clattering typically appears in vivid, sensory descriptions and carries connotations of busy activity, disorder, or sudden commotion rather than deliberate music. Writers use it to bring scenes to life — a clattering typewriter suggests urgency, while a clattering kitchen implies bustle. Though common in everyday speech, it retains a slightly literary quality that makes it especially effective in narrative prose.
A loud, continuous rattling or banging noise made by hard objects striking one another.
"The clattering from the stables announced the arrival of the mail coach."
Making a loud rattling noise; the -ing form of the verb 'clatter'.
"Pots and pans came clattering out of the cupboard."
A horse's hooves on cobblestones produce one of the most iconic sounds in English literature — and it's always described as a clatter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clattering
Clattering derives from Middle English 'clatren', meaning to make a rapid rattling noise, which itself echoes the sound it describes. It is related to other imitative words beginning with 'cl-' that denote sharp percussive noises, such as 'clack', 'clank', and 'clang'. The word has been part of English since the medieval period and has remained remarkably stable in both form and meaning.
Related word forms
How clattering is actually used
Primarily used as an onomatopoeic noun describing mechanical or incidental noise; often evokes domestic kitchens, horse-drawn traffic, or machinery. As a verb participle it frequently appears with prepositions like 'down', 'into', or 'past'. The word carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary flavor in modern usage.
Easily confused with clattering
'Cluttering' refers to filling a space with disorderly things, while 'clattering' refers to making a rattling noise of hard objects striking together.
'Clotting' means forming into a thickened mass (as blood does), while 'clattering' describes a noisy rattling sound.