tattle

[ tat-l ]

verb (used without object)

, tat·tled, tat·tling.

1. to let out secrets.
2. to chatter, prate, or gossip.

verb (used with object)

, tat·tled, tat·tling.

1. to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.

noun

1. the act of tattling.
2. idle talk; chatter; gossip.

tattle

/ ˈtætəl /

verb

1. intr to gossip about another's personal matters or secrets
2. tr to reveal by gossiping

   to tattle a person's secrets

3. intr to talk idly; chat

noun

1. the act or an instance of tattling
2. a scandalmonger or gossip

Other Words From

• tattling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattle¹

1475–85; < Dutch tatelen; cognate with Middle Low German tatelen

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattle¹

C15 (in the sense: to stammer, hesitate): from Middle Dutch tatelen to prate, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Hard questions still need to be asked, not least because this is not primarily a story about celebrity tittle tattle, or idle gossip about ITV's star talent.

From BBC

But who were they going to tattle to?

From Literature

But the choice not to tattle on him is simple, and in fact the only straightforward thing about the whole scenario.

From Washington Post

So when another former teammate, Kyle Schwarber, ambled to his locker a few minutes later, Turner feigned the role of tattling little brother.

From Washington Post

He said clarity was required as to whether someone might be aware of IRA membership or if their knowledge may be based on "tittle tattle".

From BBC