clatter
This word evokes a specific auditory texture of hard, inorganic materials colliding rapidly. It suggests a chaotic or rhythmic noise that is often irritating or disruptive, such as the sound of cutlery falling or a horse galloping on a paved road.
As a noun, it describes the collective sound rather than a single impact. While it can be used as a countable noun to describe a single instance of the noise, it is frequently used as an uncountable mass noun to describe a general atmosphere of rattling sounds.
Meanings
Examples
The cups clatter.
The typewriter clattered incessantly in the quiet office.
Phrasal Verbs
clatter along
to move forward while making a loud, rattling noise
The old cart clattered along the cobblestone street.
clatter down
to fall or descend while making a loud, rattling noise
The stack of metal tins clattered down the stairs.