cross talk

American  

Or cross-talk,

noun

1. interference heard on a telephone or radio because of unintentional coupling to another communication channel.

2. incidental conversation; chatter, as opposed to formal discussion.

   The meeting was slowed by cross talk between board members.

3. British. witty, fast-paced dialogue, especially in a play, comic act, etc.; repartee.

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Etymology

Origin of cross talk

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cross talk

Despite the frequent cross talk, the tone overall was rather cordial.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2025

"Blocking proteasomes seems to have an activity-modulatory effect across all the cells, despite being expressed in a subpopulation, suggesting that proteasomes facilitate a kind of cross talk between these cells," says Margolis.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 12, 2024

There was so much cross talk and interrupting — by both governors — that it was impossible to hear what they were saying.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2023

There was some cross talk and aggressive interruptions between the candidates, and Rudolph explained the various facial expressions she planned to make while Bennett held forth.

From New York Times ● Oct. 11, 2020

Scythe Yingxing zipped his own lip to remind them that there was no cross talk during combat.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman