clat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObsoleteDialectal, Archaic, Informal (where used)
Quick answer
What does “clat” mean?
A loud noise, especially a sharp impact or messy substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loud noise, especially a sharp impact or messy substance.
Used primarily in dialects to describe a splashing sound, a messy lump, or to talk idly. As a verb, it can mean to make such a noise or to gossip.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is not used in contemporary American English. In British English, it exists only in certain regional dialects.
Connotations
In UK dialects, it can be mildly pejorative when referring to idle gossip or a mess.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern corpora. More likely to be encountered in historical texts or regional speech.
Grammar
How to Use “clat” in a Sentence
to clat [something] downto clat on about [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would just clat on about the weather for hours.
- Don't clat that porridge down on the table!
American English
- Not used in AmE.
adverb
British English
- The pot fell clat on the stone floor.
American English
- Not used in AmE.
adjective
British English
- The yard was all clat and muck after the storm.
American English
- Not used in AmE.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in historical linguistics.
Everyday
Rare, only in specific UK dialects.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clat”
- Using it in formal or international contexts.
- Confusing it with more common words like 'clap' or 'clatter'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is now considered archaic or dialectal. It is not part of modern standard English vocabulary.
No, unless you are specifically discussing archaic or dialectal language. It would be marked as an error or oddity in standard writing.
'Clatter' is a standard word for a continuous rattling sound. 'Clat' is dialectal, often implying a single, messier impact or idle talk.
For most learners, no. It is useful only for advanced students interested in historical linguistics or regional UK dialects.
A loud noise, especially a sharp impact or messy substance.
Clat is usually dialectal, archaic, informal (where used) in register.
Clat: in British English it is pronounced /klat/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in standard use. Dialectal: 'Clat your trap!' (Stop talking nonsense).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAT stepping in a wet, messy CLATter of mud.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDLE SPEECH IS A MESSY NOISE (e.g., 'clattering on').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'clat' today?