chat

¹ American  

[chat] / tʃæt /

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.

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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.

   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. chat up

   1. to talk flirtatiously with.

   2. to talk to in a friendly, open way.

Chât. ² American  

abbreviation

1. (especially in Bordeaux wines) Château.

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chat ¹ British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to talk in an easy familiar way

2. to exchange messages in a chatroom

chat ² British  

/ tʃæt /

noun

1. archaic a catkin, esp a willow catkin

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Other Word Forms

• chattable adjective

Etymology

Origin of chat

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

Example Sentences

"Even those who wouldn't dare reveal their political preferences come over and chat with us."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Across multiple trainings, we have had attendees say or put in the chat, ‘These recommendations would be helpful for anyone,’” Maddox said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

A worker at a nongovernmental organization in Yekaterinburg said a debate among residents of her apartment block about migrating their chat group to Max grew heated when a majority opposed it for data-privacy reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The entire exchange feels rehearsed, even though it’s clear Vance is hoping to channel some of that off-the-cuff energy that made Obama’s chat with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen so entertaining.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Even Lily seems to know this isn’t the time to chat about horoscopes.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• chatter
• conversation
• gossip