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

a dial British : godparent

b : companion, crony

c : a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others

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

Origin of GOSSIP

Middle English gossib, from Old English godsibb, from god god + sibb kinsman, from sibb related — more at sib

First Known Use: before 12th century

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

Related to GOSSIP

Synonyms: blab, dish, talk, tattle, wag, spill the beans

GOSSIPER Defined for Kids

¹gossip

noun gos·sip \ˈgä-səp\

Definition of GOSSIP for Kids

: a person who repeats stories about other people

: 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.