gab

¹ American  

[gab] / gæb /

verb (used without object)

gabbed, gabbing

1. to talk or chat idly; chatter.

   Synonyms:

   schmooze, rap, yak, visit, gossip, chitchat

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noun

1. idle talk; chatter.

gab ² American  

[gab] / gæb /

noun

Machinery.

1. a hook or fork that engages temporarily with a moving rod or lever.

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gab ³ American  

[gab] / gæb /

noun

Scot. Slang.

1. gob.

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gab ¹ British  

/ ɡæb /

verb

1. (intr) to talk excessively or idly, esp about trivial matters; gossip; chatter

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noun

1. idle or trivial talk

2. ability to speak effortlessly, glibly, or persuasively

gab ² British  

/ ɡæb /

noun

1. a hook or open notch in a rod or lever that drops over the spindle of a valve to form a temporary connection for operating the valve

2. a pointed tool used in masonry

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GAB ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Gabon (international car registration)

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gab Idioms  

1. see gift of gab.

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Other Word Forms

• gabber noun

Etymology

Origin of gab¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun gab, gabbe “deceit, falsehood, idle talk”; probably from Old Norse gabba “to mock”; cf. gabble

Origin of gab²

First recorded in 1790–95; origin uncertain; possibly from Dutch dialect gabbe “notch, gash”

Explanation

When you gab, you chatter on and on. You might like to gab on the phone with your friend after school. To talk and talk, especially about gossipy or trivial things, is to gab. Your dad might gab over the fence with the neighbor, and you may sit in the front of the bus so you can gab with the friendly driver. You can also describe the chatter itself as gab. The oldest meaning of gab may come from thirteenth century Scottish dialect, "to reproach," although it may in fact be rooted in the Old French gobe, "mouthful or lump."

Example Sentences

"Laurent had the good-natured gab, Simone the uncompromising discourse," French newspaper Le Monde said of the Gbagbos' political partnership.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

“America’s Talking gab grabbing cable viewers,” USA Today, July 6, 1995.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2024

In his five days on the stand, Watson brought his trademark suaveness and gift of gab — and why not?

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2024

For the entirety of his unorthodox political career, and for decades before in the hype-friendly confines of New York City real estate, Donald Trump’s gift for gab has always been an advantage.

From New York Times • Apr. 30, 2024

In between pat- frisking inmates as they entered or exited the mess hall, there was time to just stand around and gab.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover