Definition of "rattler" [rat•tler]

• One that rattles: a rattler of pots and pans. (noun)
• A rattlesnake. (noun)
• Informal A freight train. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Although some controllers like such schedules because they effectively give workers a three-day weekend, controllers say they are known as the "rattler" because of the way they disturb normal sleep patterns."
• "Actually, if you live in rattler or other snake country, many experienced dog trainers provide classes for dogs that specifically train them to stay away from snakes."
• "Unless a rattler is right where I'm living or working, I'll let it go."