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chatter

Transitive VerbIntransitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: chatterspast: chatteredpp: chattereding: chattering

This word carries a light, airy, and often superficial energy. It suggests a lack of depth or seriousness, evoking the image of birds chirping or people gossiping without a specific goal. Because of this, it can be used affectionately to describe lively social energy or pejoratively to describe annoying, pointless noise.

Countable when referring to a specific instance of a conversation or a burst of noise. Uncountable when referring to the general quality of rapid, trivial talking.

Meanings

Transitive Verb
[someone][something]

To talk rapidly and incessantly about trivial matters.

"The children continued to chatter about their toys."

Intransitive Verb

To talk quickly and incessantly.

"They chattered away for hours in the cafe."

Intransitive Verb

To make a series of quick, clicking sounds, often due to cold or fear.

"His teeth began to chatter in the freezing wind."

Noun

Rapid, inconsequential conversation.

"The constant chatter in the classroom made it hard to focus."

Noun

The rhythmic clicking sound of teeth hitting together.

"A nervous chatter filled the silence."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error