chitchat

American  

[chit-chat] / ˈtʃɪtˌtʃæt /

noun

1. light conversation; casual talk; gossip.

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verb (used without object)

chitchatted, chitchatting

1. to indulge in chitchat; gossip.

chitchat British  

/ ˈtʃɪtˌtʃæt /

noun

1. talk of a gossipy nature

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verb

1. (intr) to gossip

Other Word Forms

• chitchatty adjective

Etymology

Origin of chitchat

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

Example Sentences

Spend enough time around cybersecurity types, and questions like the one above might feel like lighthearted chitchat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because the all-day task of pushing buttons was boring, I was tempted to chitchat, but Miss Buckner’s warning not to fraternize with the patrons stayed fresh in my mind.

From Literature

“You’re walking down the road. You see a coffee spot, get some coffee. Then you chitchat and then keep walking and do the same thing all over and over again.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Welcome to the program. As you saw today, there isn’t a lot of time for chitchat or introductions.”

From Literature

My aunt was too busy chitchatting with the other ladies to think about dinner.

From Literature

Related Words

• gossip
• small talk