Tattler

Origin

tattle + -er

Full definition of tattler

Noun

1. One who tattles (notifies authorities of illicit behavior) or is inclined to do so; a tattletale.My sister is a big tattler; she always tells Mommy when I hit her!
2. Either of two similar bird species in the shorebird genus (Tringa in some taxonomies).
3. A device fitted to a vehicle to measure mileage etc.
• 1960, Edward Hogland, The circle homeA few truck drivers griped drowsily about the tattlers in their cabs which graphed the mileage per hour per day.
• 2002, National Association of EMS Physicians, Prehospital Systems and Medical Oversight (page 270)Electronic monitors (black box, tattlers) help to define the actions of the driver during normal and emergent operation of the EMS unit.

Usage notes

The tattletale sense is generally applied only to children.

Synonyms

• (one who tattles) informant, narc, stool pigeon, tattletale
• (measuring device) tachograph

Anagrams

• tartlet