chat

¹

[ chat ]

verb (used without object)

, chat·ted, chat·ting.

1. to converse in a familiar or informal manner.

   Synonyms: visit, gossip, chitchat, talk

2. Digital Technology. to participate with one or more people, through the internet, in a real-time conversation, typically as a series of short text exchanges in a specific application, as instant messaging, or by using images, voice, video, or some combination of these:

   The kids were able to chat with their grandma online.

   Join our online community to chat about TV shows.

noun

1. an informal conversation:

   We had a pleasant chat.

   Synonyms: visit, gossip, chitchat, talk

2. Digital Technology. a real-time conversation between two or more people over the internet or another computer network: instant messaging, chat room.

   Join our free video chat. Have a live chat with one of our customer service representatives.

3. any of several small Old World thrushes, especially of the genus Saxicola, having a chattering cry.
4. yellow-breasted chat.

adjective

1. Digital Technology. noting or relating to an online chat:

   a chat session.

verb phrase

1. Chiefly British.
   1. to talk flirtatiously with.
   2. to talk to in a friendly, open way.

Chât.

²

abbreviation for

1. (especially in Bordeaux wines) Château.

chat

¹

/ tʃæt /

noun

1. informal conversation or talk conducted in an easy familiar manner
2. the exchange of messages in an internet or other network chatroom
3. any Old World songbird of the subfamily Turdinae (thrushes, etc) having a harsh chattering cry See also stonechat whinchat
4. any of various North American warblers, such as Icteria virens ( yellow-breasted chat )
5. any of various Australian wrens (family Muscicapidae ) of the genus Ephthianura and other genera

verb

1. to talk in an easy familiar way
2. to exchange messages in a chatroom

chat

²

/ tʃæt /

noun

1. archaic.
   a catkin, esp a willow catkin

Other Words From

• chatta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chat¹

First recorded in 1400–50; (verb) late Middle English chatt(e); short for chatter

Word History and Origins

Origin of chat¹

C16: short for chatter

Origin of chat²

C15: from French chat cat, referring to the furry appearance

Example Sentences

When I last visited Ken in hospital, he had just tuned into a political debate on BBC Radio Five Live - he kept it on in the background as we chatted.

From BBC

Researchers looked at the types of cells, where they were located and how they chatted to the other cells around them.

From BBC

The Israeli prime minister was quick to congratulate the Republican leader, and the two have chatted by phone repeatedly since the election.

From Los Angeles Times

As Yulia Navalnaya was whisked away by police, for security, the crowd gathered beside a memorial for those killed in Ukraine - chatting quietly and singing along with a young man playing guitar.

From BBC

Ben Decter watched this week’s preview performances from various seats throughout the theater and chatted with families afterward; he is admittedly “a lot better” at expressing himself and communicating his feelings to others.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chatter
• go on