rattletrap

[ rat-l-trap ]

noun

1. a shaky, rattling rattle rattling object, as a rickety vehicle.

rattletrap

/ ˈrætəlˌtræp /

noun

1. informal.
   a broken-down old vehicle, esp an old car

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattletrap¹

First recorded in 1760–70; rattle ¹ + trap ¹

Example Sentences

It is not gallant in Chauncey to permit the lady to appear in such an antiquated rattletrap.

From Project Gutenberg

They went out through the doors of the waiting room toward a rattletrap vehicle.

From Project Gutenberg

"Excuse me from ever taking such a long trip again in an old rattletrap of a boat like that," declared Bluff.

From Project Gutenberg

Emily, I'm thinkin' of fixin' up Uncle Abner's old rattletrap and openin' a boardin'-house for summer folks in it.

From Project Gutenberg

The medics were injecting a heart stimulant into him and he was vibrating like a rattletrap car racing over a gravel road.

From Project Gutenberg