rat-a-tat

noun

ˈra-tə-ˌtat How to pronounce rat-a-tat (audio)
variants or rat-a-tat-tat
ˌra-tə-ˌta(t)-ˈtat How to pronounce rat-a-tat (audio)
: a rapid succession of knocking, tapping, or cracking sounds

Examples of rat-a-tat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still have that rat-a-tat-tat on the sideline. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 Matt and Pete had stuck around to rat-a-tat their vamp. — Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 The regular-size kid that followed in their wake kept up a constant rat-a-tat on his drum. — Lee Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 May 2026 But Kilgo had been used to the rat-a-tat-tat of constant newspaper deadlines. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rat-a-tat

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rat-a-tat was in 1681

Rhymes for rat-a-tat

See All Rhymes for rat-a-tat

Browse Nearby Words

rat-arsed
rat-a-tat
ratatouille
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rat-a-tat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rat-a-tat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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