chitchat

[ chit-chat ]

noun

1. light conversation; casual talk; gossip.

verb (used without object)

, chit·chat·ted, chit·chat·ting.

1. to indulge in chitchat; gossip.

chitchat

/ ˈtʃɪtˌtʃæt /

noun

1. talk of a gossipy nature

verb

1. intr to gossip

Other Words From

• chitchatty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chitchat¹

First recorded in 1700–10; gradational compound based on chat

Example Sentences

The fireworks, drinking and amplified chitchat around the smoker — those were all fine.

From Washington Post

On the occasions I opt for in-store shopping instead of curbside pickup, masks make it hard to spark natural chitchat with strangers in stores.

From Outside Online

Briggs and company were wary of dating not just because it was new, but also because they felt sure men expected far more than chitchat for their cash by night’s end.

From Ozy

He urged members to avoid chitchat and any specifics about future actions.

From ProPublica

The idea of flipping Texas A&M and Ohio State did come up and stir some chitchat in the committee room, as chairman Gary Barta, the athletic director at Iowa, said on ESPN.

From Washington Post

The messages from the fake Bolton began with chitchat, and expressed a desire to get together after all these years.

From The Daily Beast

I had access to the same data, but not the same discussions, the things that are dropped in casual chitchat.

From The Daily Beast

During our talk, I learned immediately that Allred does not have time for chitchat.

From The Daily Beast

Frank spurns the empty chitchat and flattery that make up so much of Washington conversation.

From The Daily Beast

And after enough chitchat to warrant three rounds of quarters for the parking meter, Odenkirk has to go.

From The Daily Beast

This informal chitchat, addressed chiefly to the amateur naturalist, became an easy habit with Jefferies.

From Project Gutenberg

I considered it best, however, before doing so, to ease things along with a little informal chitchat.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot chitchat with Scotchmen while you are at Keswick, childless!

From Project Gutenberg

The interval before dinner, a tolerably long one, is filled up by pleasant chitchat, chiefly in English.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the letter that Franklin said was mere chitchat between themselves over the second bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gossip
• small talk