Chatter

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtʃætÉ™
• US enPR: chătʹər, IPA: /ˈtʃætÉš
• Rhymes: -ætÉ™(r)

From Middle English chateren ("to chatter"), of imitative origin.

Full definition of chatter

Noun

1. talk, especially meaningless or unimportant talk
2. the sound of talking
3. the sound made by a magpie
4. an intermittent noise, as from vibrationProper brake adjustment will help to reduce the chatter.
5. in national security, the degree of communication between suspect groups and individuals, used to gauge the degree of expected terrorist activity.The NSA is concerned about increased chatter between known terror groups.

Synonyms

• (talk, especially meaningless or unimportant talk) chattering, chatting, nattering

Verb

1. (intransitive) To talk idly.They knitted and chattered the whole time.
• ShakespeareTo tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue.
2. (intransitive) Of teeth, machinery, etc, to make a noise by rapid collisions.He was so cold that his teeth were chattering.
3. To utter sounds which somewhat resemble language, but are inarticulate and indistinct.
• WordsworthThe jaw makes answer, as the magpie chatters.

Synonyms

• (talk idly) chat, natter
• (make a chattering noise) clatter, knock, pink (said of an engine)

chat + -er

Noun

1. one who chats
2. (Internet) a user of chat rooms
• 2013, Michael K. Sullivan, Sexual Minorities (page 148)During the chat sessions, two outreach team members would engage in a conversation about the topic chosen for that event in the main chat room and entice other chatters to join in.

Anagrams

• ratchet