Chatter: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal and can sometimes imply meaningless or idle talk.

• He didn't pay much attention to the constant chatter of the birds outside the window
• The kids were chattering excitedly about the upcoming holiday

Used for situations of mutual exchange of thoughts, questions, or ideas between two or more people in an engaged manner.

• They had a pleasant conversation over coffee, sharing stories about their lives
• The team had a conversation about the project deadlines

General term for any instance of speaking between people, can be both informal or formal.

• They had a talk about future plans after dinner
• He often gives talks on environmental issues at different conferences

Refers to a more serious and structured exchange of ideas on a specific topic, often aiming to solve a particular issue or make a decision.

• The committee had a lengthy discussion about the budget cuts
• We need to have a discussion about your performance at work

Used to describe quick, informal talk that could be about various topics, often without much substance.

• The children were chattering excitedly about their upcoming trip
• The office was filled with the chatter of employees discussing their weekend plans

Characterizes speech that is incoherent, rapid, and difficult to understand, often used in regard to babies or when someone is nervous or excited.

• The baby began to babble happily in the crib
• She started to babble nervously when asked about the surprise party

Used to describe talking at length in a foolish or inconsequential way, often associated with children or someone speaking without serious intent.

• She listened to the toddler prattle on about his imaginary friends
• He began to prattle about the movie he had just watched, not noticing if anyone was paying attention

Typically refers to conversations involving the sharing of personal or sensational information about others, often with negative connotations.

• The coworkers gathered around the water cooler, indulging in some gossip about their manager
• She didn't like the fact that her private life became the subject of office gossip