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

But when he started chatting to a friendly American in the lift of a luxury hotel in Dallas in July last year, he had no idea he was actually speaking to a private investigator.

From BBC

Never mind the jaded talk of potential and Scotland's occasional fondness for slapping themselves on the back with chat about "beating anyone on our day".

From BBC

The sisters had always been interested in beauty products and chats with professionals backstage led to a "lightbulb moment".

From BBC

Could I stop by for a chat, he asked.

From BBC

"It has been an easy working relationship between us in terms of small chats or things we feel are going well or we need to change," said Lake.

From BBC

Related Words

• chatter
• go on