scuttlebutt

American  

[skuht-l-buht] / ˈskʌt lˌbʌt /

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. an open cask of drinking water.

   2. a drinking fountain for use by the crew of a vessel.

2. Informal. rumor or gossip.

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scuttlebutt British  

/ ˈskʌtəlˌbʌt /

noun

1. a drinking fountain

2. (formerly) a cask of drinking water aboard a ship

3. slang rumour or gossip

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Etymology

Origin of scuttlebutt

1795–1805; 1900–05 scuttlebutt for def. 2; scuttle ¹ + butt ⁴

Example Sentences

That’s because the scuttlebutt on the grounds has been that the gnome is heading for retirement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2024

The leaguewide scuttlebutt was whether the Packers would blow up their roster after what was clearly a lost season and part ways with Aaron Rodgers.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 2, 2023

I’ve heard scuttlebutt from the donor community, some of whom are reportedly miffed to have their microscopically printed names out of circulation.

From Washington Post • Jul. 23, 2022

Just as the scuttlebutt had it, we men of the First Marine Amphibious Corps were heading for the Solomons to force a landing on Bougainville.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac