gab

¹

[ gab ]

verb (used without object)

, gabbed, gab·bing.

1. to talk or chat idly; chatter.

   Synonyms: schmooze, rap, yak, visit, gossip, chitchat

noun

1. idle talk; chatter.

gab

²

[ gab ]

noun

, Machinery.

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

gab

³

[ gab ]

noun

, Scot. Slang.

1. gob ³.

GAB

¹

abbreviation for

1. Gabon (international car registration)

gab

²

/ 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

gab

³

/ ɡæb /

verb

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

noun

1. idle or trivial talk
2. gift of the gab
   ability to speak effortlessly, glibly, or persuasively

Derived Forms

• ˈgabber, noun

Other Words From

• gabber noun

Word History and Origins

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gab¹

C18: probably from Flemish gabbe notch, gash

Origin of gab²

C18: variant of Northern dialect gob mouth, probably from Irish Gaelic gob beak, mouth

Idioms and Phrases

see gift of gab .

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

They love to gab and hang out with the family.

From Los Angeles Times

He has the gift of gab, he’s someone who likes to talk.

From Los Angeles Times