1 A2 neutral
To move or shake around loosely in a container, making a rattling noise.
"I can hear something rattling around inside the engine — we should get it checked."
inseparable
rattle around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To make a rattling noise while moving loosely inside a container; or to live or move in a space that is far too large.
In plain English
When something bounces around noisily inside something; or when a person is moving around in a house or space that feels very empty.
What does "rattle around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To live or move in a space that is much too large, giving a sense of emptiness or isolation.
"Since the divorce, he's been rattling around alone in that huge apartment."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To persist as an idea, thought, or memory in someone's mind.
"That question has been rattling around in my head ever since she asked it."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Objects shaking around inside a container and making noise — like pennies in a jar.
Actually means
When something bounces around noisily inside something; or when a person is moving around in a house or space that feels very empty.
Usage tip
Used in both British and American English. The figurative sense (rattling around in a large empty space) carries a connotation of loneliness or feeling lost. Informal in both senses. Can also describe an idea that someone keeps thinking about: 'It's been rattling around in my head.'
Words that pair with "rattle around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house box head tin mind empty room
How to conjugate "rattle around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rattle around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rattles around
he/she/it
Past simple
rattled around
yesterday
Past participle
rattled around
have + pp
-ing form
rattling around
continuous
Hear "rattle around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rattle around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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