rat-a-tat

[ rat-uh-tat ]

noun

1. a sound of knocking or rapping:

   a sharp rat-a-tat on the window.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rat-a-tat¹

First recorded in 1675–85; imitative

Example Sentences

The film, in its first minutes, prefers the latter, opening with a rat-a-tat montage of her many successes: author, linguist, Phi Beta Kappa scholar.

From New York Times

Behind the rat-a-tat pace of the jokes, “Shucked” is the work of outliers who worry that the victories for tolerance they’ve seen in their lifetimes are being reversed.

From New York Times

But while rat-a-tat and packed in a manner to be expected from someone once known as “Sally Soundbite,” Conway’s own bid at recording history, written with a book doctor, is spotty and selective.

From New York Times

On songs like “Times Like These,” the 2003 hit that has become an anthem of perseverance and renewal, Mr. Hawkins is a hard-driving force, punctuating the verses with rat-a-tat fills.

From New York Times

Hunsecker, the voracious, rat-a-tat newspaperman of “Sweet Smell of Success,” who sees a brawl and drawls, “I love this dirty town.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• chatter