Jabbering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is talking quickly and excitedly, often in a way that is hard to understand.

• The children were jabbering about their new toys
• He was jabbering on the phone about his weekend plans

Typically used to describe light, informal conversation, or the sound of many people talking together.

• The students chattered excitedly before the lecture began
• The monkeys chattered in the trees

Used to describe meaningless or idle talk, often with a sense of affection or triviality.

• The old friends prattled on about their childhood memories
• The child prattled about her dream

Appropriate when describing speech that is incoherent, often used for background noise or when someone is speaking without making much sense.

• The brook babbled along the rocks
• She babbled on nervously during her presentation

Refers to rapid, unintelligible talk; often used to express disdain or describe someone who is frightened and unable to speak clearly.

• He was so scared he could only gibber
• The crowd gibbered in confusion when the announcement was made