rataplan

[ rat-uh-plan ]

noun

1. a sound of or as of the beating of a drum.

verb (used without object)

, rat·a·planned, rat·a·plan·ning.

1. to produce such a sound.

rataplan

/ ˌrætəˈplæn /

noun

1. a drumming sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of rataplan¹

1840–50; < French; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of rataplan¹

from French, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

“Christ, look at this mud,” said Francis as we bounced through yet another pothole, brown spray striking the window with a thick rataplan.

From Literature

I had a moment of triumph also when we sang the Rataplan, rataplan.

From Project Gutenberg

Let Honor beat the rataplan and Duty quick obey— Make “yea” an instant Tagerman, and “no” at once a Ney!

From Project Gutenberg

Drums were bought by subscription, and in the armoury down under the School tattoo and rataplan voiced the martial spirit of St. James'.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few moments he heard the dancing rataplan of the hoofs of an eager, nervous horse, a curse from Larry, the hoof-beats clamored past, steadied to a drumming roar, and died in the distance.

From Project Gutenberg