First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1chatter
verb chat·ter \ˈcha-tər\
: to talk in a quick or casual way
: to make clicking sounds by knocking together rapidly
: to make fast and usually high-pitched sounds
Full Definition of CHATTER
intransitive verb
1
: to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct <squirrels chattered angrily>
2
: to talk idly, incessantly, or fast
3
a : to click repeatedly or uncontrollably <teeth chattering with cold> b : to vibrate rapidly in cutting <a chattering tool> c : to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping <chattering brakes>
transitive verb
: to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly
— chat·ter·er noun
— chat·tery \-tə-rē\ adjective
See chatter defined for English-language learners
See chatter defined for kids
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Origin of CHATTER
Middle English chatteren, of imitative origin
Related to CHATTER
2chatter
noun
: casual talk that is usually not important or interesting
: a series of fast usually high-pitched sounds
Full Definition of CHATTER
1
: the action or sound of chattering
2
: idle talk : prattle
3
: electronic and especially radio communication between individuals engaged in a common or related form of activity; also : such chatter regarding future hostile activities
See chatter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHATTER
13th century
Related to CHATTER
- Synonyms
- backchat, cackle, causerie, chat, chin music, chin-wag [slang], chitchat, confab, confabulation, gab, gabfest, gossip, jangle, jaw, natter [chiefly British], palaver, patter, rap, schmooze, small talk, table talk, talk, tête-à-tête
- Antonyms
- quiet, silence, silentness, still, stillness
CHATTER Defined for Kids
1chatter
verb chat·ter \ˈcha-tər\
chat·teredchat·ter·ing
Definition of CHATTER for Kids
1
: to talk fast without thinking or without stopping <My brothers chattered during the entire trip.>
2
: to make quick sounds that suggest speech but lack meaning <Monkeys chattered in the trees.>
3
: to make clicking sounds by hitting together again and again <My teeth are chattering from the cold.>
2chatter
noun
Definition of CHATTER for Kids
1
: the act or sound of chattering <the chatter of squirrels> <the chatter of teeth>
2
: quick or unimportant talk
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