chitchat

[ chit-chat ]

noun

1. light conversation; casual talk; gossip.

verb (used without object)

, chit·chat·ted, chit·chat·ting.

1. to indulge in chitchat; gossip.

chitchat

/ ˈtʃɪtˌtʃæt /

noun

1. talk of a gossipy nature

verb

1. intr to gossip

Other Words From

• chitchatty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chitchat¹

First recorded in 1700–10; gradational compound based on chat

Example Sentences

If we have small tasks to do we usually just meet up, grab food and run all errands, chitchat.

From Los Angeles Times

I put the conversations in a rough sequence and then he’d take it and write it so it didn’t just sound like chitchat.

From Los Angeles Times

I sat at the table closest to the counter, chitchatting with the owner, until my food came out.

From Salon

He achieved a kind of elevated chitchat that flattered his audience without taxing his invitees.

From New York Times

We chitchat about the weather, share memes and jokes, and talk about deep stuff: personal dilemmas, parenting struggles, stresses at work and home.

From New York Times

Related Words

• gossip
• small talk