chat

¹

[chat]

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.

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

abbreviation

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 Word Forms

• chattable 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

Self-declared investigators have set up countless chat groups where they swap theories and share testimony – much to the irritation of police and families.

From BBC

The private group chats with teammates past and present are what Trout is about, not commercial shoots or talk shows, not podcasts or YouTube channels.

From Los Angeles Times

It was an escape route from the pressures of marrying and "a means to economic stability", Roy told me over a Zoom chat.

From BBC

Hegseth has previously come under scrutiny for his own handling of sensitive information after it was revealed he shared details about the bombing of Yemen on a group chat that included a reporter in March.

From BBC

Claire told us that more than once the headteacher at the school her children attend has had to intervene and email parents about negative things being posted in the chats.

From BBC

Related Words

• chatter 
• conversation 
• gossip