Chattering: meaning, definitions and examples

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chattering

[ˈtʃætərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

communication

The act of talking rapidly, incessantly, and trivially; gabble.

Synonyms

babbling, gossiping, prattling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chattering	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
babbling	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
prattling	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
gossiping	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

Examples of usage

The chattering of the students in the classroom was distracting.
The constant chattering of the birds outside my window woke me up early.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal behavior

Rapid series of short, sharp noises made by birds or monkeys.

Synonyms

chirping, chittering, twittering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chattering	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.
twittering	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.
chirping	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.
chittering	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.

Examples of usage

The chattering of the monkeys in the jungle could be heard from a distance.
The chattering of the birds in the trees added to the peaceful ambiance of the forest.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

communication

Talk rapidly and incessantly about trivial matters.

Synonyms

babble, gabble, prattle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chattering	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
babble	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
prattle	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
gabble	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

Examples of usage

She chattered on about her day at work, not realizing how bored her friends were getting.
The children chattered excitedly as they waited for the show to start.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'chateren,' which means to talk rapidly or repeatedly.
It has roots in the Old French word 'chater,' referring to a sound or chatter, linking to the idea of noise.
The repetition in the word suggests the back-and-forth nature of lively conversation.

Cultural Context

In many cultures, chatting is an important social activity that helps build relationships.
The informal nature of chattering can often create bonds but may sometimes be seen as gossip.
Some languages have specific words for deep conversations, while 'chattering' often implies light, less serious talk.

Psychological Perspective

Quick talking can signal excitement or anxiety, showing how our emotions influence our communication styles.
Studies suggest that people who engage in playful banter tend to have better social connections.
Chattering can also be a way of thinking aloud, helping individuals process their thoughts in real-time.

Science

Research shows that communicating with others can release oxytocin, the 'bonding hormone,' enhancing feelings of connection.
Animal species, like monkeys and birds, chatter as a way to communicate and signal their presence within groups.
Chattering can also serve as a warning system in nature, alerting others to potential dangers nearby.

Literature

In novels, characters who chatter often bring humor and lightness to the story, balancing dramatic moments.
Poets may use chattering sounds to create rhythm and flow, mimicking the quick pace of conversation.
Chattering has been a common motif in children’s books, showcasing the joy of friendship and communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "chattering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tagarelice

conversação
parlapatice

🇮🇳 बकबक

🇩🇪 Geplauder

Schwatzen
Geschnatter

🇮🇩 bercakap-cakap

mengobrol
berisik

🇺🇦 балаканина

щебетання
тріпання

🇵🇱 gadanina

szczebiotanie
paplanie

🇯🇵 おしゃべり

しゃべり
鳴き声

🇫🇷 bavardage

papotage
gazouillis

🇪🇸 charla

cotorreo
parloteo

🇹🇷 gevezelik

çene çalmak
cıvıldama

🇰🇷 수다

잡담
지저귐

🇸🇦 ثرثرة

حوار
زقزقة

🇨🇿 žvatlání

povídání
štěbetání

🇸🇰 tárať

štebot
rozprávať

🇨🇳 喋喋不休

闲聊
叽叽喳喳

🇸🇮 klepetanje

čebljanje
žvrgolenje

🇮🇸 spjall

blaður
kvak

🇰🇿 сыбырлау

әңгіме
шиқылдау

🇬🇪 ჭორაობა

ლაპარაკი
ჩხაკუნი

🇦🇿 söhbət

cəfəngiyyat
cıvıldama

🇲🇽 charla

cotorreo
parloteo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,070, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17067 deuterium
17068 distaste
17069 blatant
17070 chattering
17071 robustness
17072 botanist
17073 groaning
...