prattle

[prat-l]

verb (used without object)

prattled, prattling 

1. to talk in a foolish or simple-minded way; chatter; babble.

   Synonyms: blab, gabble, jabber, gab

verb (used with object)

prattled, prattling 

1. to utter by chattering or babbling.

noun

1. the act of prattling.

2. chatter; babble.

   the prattle of children.

3. a babbling sound.

   the prattle of water rushing over stones.

prattle

/ ˈprætəl /

verb

1. (intr) to talk in a foolish or childish way; babble

2. (tr) to utter in a foolish or childish way

noun

1. foolish or childish talk

Other Word Forms

• prattler noun
• prattlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prattle¹

1525–35; < Middle Low German pratelen to chatter, frequentative of praten to prate; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of prattle¹

C16: from Middle Low German pratelen to chatter; see _prate

Example Sentences

Influencers and phonies and maybe even the occasional real journalist prattle on in the backgrounds of scenes telling people what to think and do, often making things worse.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A rabbit in full formal attire, prattling on about his tardiness?

Read more on Salon

Even for people who have years of practice declaring Trump a “genius” while he prattles on about bleach injections or pet-eating immigrants, it's getting harder to feign ignorance about basic realities.

Read more on Salon

The characters chatter and prattle about vampire lore and Anne Rice, “True Blood,” “Twilight” and “Nosferatu.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I find a similar kind of nonsensical prattle in various corners of our Blue Seattle.

Read more on Seattle Times