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”; gabble

Origin of gab²

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

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

Workplaces provided easy ways to form friendships or at least gab by the water cooler—a particularly important resource in a country where 15 percent of Americans have one close friend, if any.

From Slate • Nov. 26, 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

Ryder’s professorial advocacy is undercut by the way she just seems to want to gab.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

“So, you two going to gab all day or order?”

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt