A continuous rattling or clattering sound; the din of repeated sharp, clicking noises.
From clitter + clatter, both imitative words doubled together for emphasis. This playful compound emerged in English to describe the combined effect of multiple rattling sounds.
English loves doubling similar-sounding words for emphasis ('chitter-chatter,' 'ping-pong,' 'wiggle-waggle'), and 'clitterclatter' shows how we create new words by combining onomatopoeia for richer sound descriptions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.