chat

¹

[ chat ]

verb (used without object)

chatted, chatting.

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 Word Forms

• 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

“Disclaimer: I’m doing onlyfans to chat with my fans through dm’s. I won’t be posting any sleazy content. Excited to join.”

From Los Angeles Times

On a pavement near some shoe factories, a few workers were squatting down to chat and smoke.

From BBC

"I chat in between the songs and rabbit on whatever comes into my head," he added.

From BBC

Editor Rachel Johnson was a firm believer in not being too familiar with staff, writing: "Never sit in the kitchen chatting to your nanny, it'll end in tears before bedtime."

From BBC

The book usually includes maps or diagrams of each hole on the course, but Rotella said it also included notes of their chats.

From BBC

Related Words

• chatter
• go on