Gossip: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about unverified information, often about personal matters and private affairs of others, sometimes with a negative or hurtful intent.

• She loves to gossip about her colleagues during lunch breaks.
• Spreading gossip can harm people's reputations.

Information or a story that is spread among people and that is not confirmed as true, often creating intrigue or panic, usually with a neutral to negative connotation.

• There are rumors that the company might be shutting down.
• She denied all the rumors about her resignation.

Refers to light, informal conversation about trivial matters, usually in a friendly and polite manner.

• We had a pleasant chitchat over coffee this afternoon.
• The meeting began with some chitchat to break the ice.

Informal slang for gossip or rumors, often used in workplaces, especially in the context of discussing company news or employee behavior.

• The scuttlebutt around the office is that there might be layoffs next month.
• I'm not one to believe the scuttlebutt, but it seems everyone's talking about it.

Used for unverified information that one has heard from someone else, often implying uncertainty and lack of credibility.

• It's just hearsay; I wouldn't trust it without proof.
• In court, hearsay evidence is usually not admissible.

Used when talking about sharing private or sensational information about others, often without their knowledge. This word usually has a negative connotation.

• She loves to gossip about her neighbors

Used when talking about actively circulating unverified or false information about someone, usually with harmful intentions. It has a strong negative connotation.

• It's not good to spread rumors about your colleagues

Used in a general sense to describe the act of speaking or having a conversation. It lacks the informal or secretive implications of some of the other words.

• Can we talk about our plans for the weekend?

Used when referring to a friendly, informal conversation. It's typically light-hearted and not serious.

• We had a nice chat over coffee

Used to describe speaking very softly so others cannot hear, often to maintain secrecy or indicate confidentiality. It can have either positive or negative connotations depending on context.

• They had to whisper so they wouldn't disturb others in the library