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Definition of ratatat

ratatat

/ˌræt.əˈtæt/
rat · a · tat
Plural:ratatats
•
Past Simple:ratatatted
•
Past Participle:ratatatted
•
Present Participle:ratatatting
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ratatat Lexical Profile

ratatat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rapid, rhythmic series of sharp knocking, rapping, or drumming sounds.

Example

"The steady ratatat of sleet against the windowpane kept everyone awake."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• interjection

1

Used to imitate a rapid series of sharp knocking, tapping, or drumming sounds.

Example

"Ratatat! The heavy wooden knocker echoed through the quiet hallway."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To make or produce a rapid series of sharp knocking, tapping, or drumming sounds.

Example

"Heavy hailstones ratatatted loudly against the tin roof of the porch."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for ratatat

• Nearby Words

rat
rat snake
ratable
ratatat
ratatouille
ratbag
ratbite

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 17th century as an onomatopoeic formation (often hyphenated as 'rat-a-tat') imitating the sharp, rapid sound of a drumbeat or knocking.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ratatat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ratatat
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