First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1chat
verb \ˈchat\
: to talk with someone in a casual way
: to talk over the Internet by sending messages back and forth in a chat room
chat·tedchat·ting
Full Definition of CHAT
intransitive verb
2
a : to talk in an informal or familiar manner b : to take part in an online discussion in a chat room
transitive verb
chiefly British : to talk to; especially : to talk lightly, glibly, or flirtatiously with —often used with up
See chat defined for English-language learners
See chat defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHAT
Middle English chatten, short for chatteren
Related to CHAT
- Synonyms
- babble, blab, cackle, chaffer [British], chatter, chin [slang], converse, gab, gabble, gas, jabber, jaw, kibitz (also kibbitz), natter, palaver, patter, prate, prattle, rap, rattle, run on, schmooze (or shmooze), talk, twitter, visit, blow smoke, chew the fat (also chew the rag), shoot the breeze, talk a blue streak
2chat
noun
: a light and friendly conversation
: a talk held over the Internet by people using a chat room
Full Definition of CHAT
1
: idle small talk : chatter
2
: light informal or familiar talk; especially : conversation
3
[imitative] : any of several songbirds (as of the genera Cercomela, Granatellus, or Icteria)
4
: online discussion in a chat room; also : an instance of such discussion <participate in computer chats>
See chat defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHAT
1530
Related to CHAT
- Synonyms
- backchat, cackle, causerie, chatter, 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
CHATTING Defined for Kids
1chat
verb \ˈchat\
chat·tedchat·ting
Definition of CHAT for Kids
1
: to talk in a friendly way about things that are not serious
2
: to talk over the Internet by sending messages back and forth in a chat room
2chat
noun
Definition of CHAT for Kids
1
: a light friendly conversation
2
: a talk held over the Internet by people using a chat room
Learn More About CHAT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).