"Death rattle" is an evocative and ominous term that describes the sound made by a person in the final stage of life when they are struggling to breathe. It's a term often used in medical settings, but there are other synonyms that can also be used to describe this phenomenon. Some alternative phrases include "terminal respiratory secretion," "agonal breaths," and "deathly rattle." While each term suggests the same underlying process, they can evoke slightly varied connotations and impressions. Regardless of the terminology used, the sound is a somber reminder of life's final moments, a solemn reminder of our own mortality.