Chattering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe people talking quickly about random or unimportant things, often in a lively or noisy manner, without necessarily being negative.

• The students were chattering excitedly about their weekend plans
• On a cold winter night, you could hear the chattering of teeth

Usually describes speech that is unintelligible or nonsensical. Often used for babies or people talking quickly without making much sense. It can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to adults.

• The baby started babbling happily in his crib
• She was so nervous that she began babbling about everything and nothing

Describes talking at length in a foolish or inconsequential way. Often used in a slightly negative or dismissive manner.

• He spent the evening prattling on about his new video games
• The elderly woman kept prattling about the 'good old days' endlessly

Refers to talking about other people's private lives, often including rumors or unverified information. This term usually has a negative connotation.

• They were gossiping about their neighbor's recent divorce
• Gossiping at the office can create a toxic work environment

Typically used to describe the sound of people talking quickly and informally, or the sound of teeth clacking together, often due to cold or fear.

• The students were chattering excitedly about their plans for the weekend.
• She could hear her teeth chattering as the cold wind swept through the room.

Describes the high-pitched, continuous sounds made by birds. Figuratively, it can refer to people talking rapidly and excitedly, but often in a trivial manner.

• The garden was filled with the twittering of birds at dawn.
• The guests were twittering about the latest gossip at the party.

Commonly used to describe the sound made by small birds or insects, such as crickets. It can also be used to describe someone speaking in a high-pitched, cheerful manner.

• The birds were chirping merrily in the trees.
• She chirped a happy greeting as she walked into the room.

Often used to describe the quick, repetitive sounds made by small animals, especially rodents. It may also convey a sense of nervousness or excitement.

• The squirrels were chittering as they scampered across the park.
• He could hear the mice chittering behind the walls.

Used when referring to people talking quickly and noisily, often in a way that can be slightly annoying or constant.

• The children were chattering excitedly about their day at the zoo

Describes continuous, rapid, and foolish talk that is usually hard to understand, often used for background noise or when someone is speaking without thinking.

• He was so nervous during his speech that he started to babble incoherently

Used for trivial and foolish talk, especially when someone is speaking in a childlike or silly manner. Often carries a mildly negative or dismissive tone.

• She spent the afternoon prattling on about celebrity gossip

Refers to speaking quickly and unintelligibly, where words come out in a rush, making it difficult for others to understand. Often used with a negative connotation.

• The tourists in the cafe were gabbling in a language I couldn't understand