rat-tat

Rapid knocking sound

Rat-tat is the sound of rapid knocking or drumming—a series of short, sharp beats in quick succession: A rat-tat on the door startled her awake.

The word imitates the sound it describes, often associated with knocking, gunfire, or drumbeats.

Also appears as rat-a-tat or rat-tat-tat for longer sequences.

knocking

knock

Strike-produced sound

  • rapQuick sharp blow
  • tapValve controlling liquid flow
  • bangSudden loud noise

hammer · pound · rattle · clatter · beat · drum · strike · thump · visitor · door

rhythmic

drumming

Percussive rhythm-making

  • beatRhythmic pulse or strike
  • cadenceRhythmic pulse or pattern
  • tempoRate of musical performance

pulse · pattern · percussion · tattoo · roll · snare · march · military · drummer · parade

gunfire

machine-gun

Rapid-fire automatic firearm

salvo · shots · fire · bullets · rounds · barrage · fusillade · spray · rapid · combat

Opposites
sound continuity

rat-tatdrone

Unmanned flying machine

hum · continuous tone · whir · buzz · hiss

sound presence

rat-tatsilence

Total lack of sound

hush · stillness · quiet · muteness · peace

sound character

rat-tatwhisper

Speech without full voice

sigh · swish · rustle · lull · gentle murmur

Family

rat, tat, rat-a-tat, ratatat, rat-tat-tat

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G