Yapping: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is repeated; see the first entry.

Typically used to refer to light, informal conversation. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

• We could hear the cheerful chatter of children playing outside.
• They spent hours in friendly chatter about their favorite books.

Describes fast, excited, or incomprehensible talking, often in a way that is confusing or hard to understand.

• The tourists were jabbering in a language I couldn't understand.
• He started to jabber nervously when asked about the incident.

Refers to talking in a foolish or inconsequential way, often for a long time. It is often used in a mildly negative or dismissive sense.

• The old man prattled on about his youth.
• She tends to prattle when she’s nervous.

Describes high-pitched, continuous barking often associated with small dogs. Informal and sometimes implies annoyance.

• The little dog was yapping non-stop, driving the neighbors crazy.
• I couldn't concentrate with all that yapping in the background.

General term for the sound dogs make. Can describe a variety of sounds from different breeds.

• The dog was barking loudly at the mailman.
• She heard a dog barking late at night.

Describes sharp, high-pitched cries, often indicating fear or pain. Can also apply to quick, distressed sounds.

• The puppy started yelping when it got its paw caught.
• He heard a yelping sound coming from the backyard.

Describes a long, deep, and mournful sound made by certain breeds, such as hounds. Often associated with hunting dogs.

• The hounds were baying as they picked up the scent.
• The baying of the dogs echoed through the forest.