First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1gossip
noun gos·sip \ˈgä-səp\
: information about the behavior and personal lives of other people
: information about the lives of famous people
: a person who often talks about the private details of other people's lives
Full Definition of GOSSIP
1
2
a : rumor or report of an intimate nature b : a chatty talk c : the subject matter of gossip
— gos·sip·ry \-sə-prē\ noun
See gossip defined for English-language learners
See gossip defined for kids
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Origin of GOSSIP
Middle English gossib, from Old English godsibb, from god god + sibb kinsman, from sibb related — more at sib
Related to GOSSIP
- Synonyms
- circulator, gossiper, gossipmonger, newsmonger, quidnunc, talebearer, tale-teller, telltale, yenta
2gossip
verb
: to talk about the personal lives of other people
Full Definition of GOSSIP
intransitive verb
: to relate gossip
— gos·sip·er noun
See gossip defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GOSSIP
1627
GOSSIP[2] Defined for Kids
1gossip
noun gos·sip \ˈgä-səp\
Definition of GOSSIP for Kids
1
: a person who repeats stories about other people
2
: talk or rumors involving the personal lives of other people
Word History of GOSSIP
At first the word gossip, from Old English godsibb, meant “godparent.” Later it came to mean “close friend” as well. Close friends, of course, share secrets. Gossip has come to mean anyone, friend or not, who shares the secrets of others.
2gossip
verb
gos·sipedgos·sip·ing
Definition of GOSSIP for Kids
: to talk about the personal lives of other people
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