gab

¹ American  

[gab] / gæb /

verb (used without object)

gabbed, gabbing

1. to talk or chat idly; chatter.

   Synonyms:

   schmooze, rap, yak, visit, gossip, chitchat

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noun

1. idle talk; chatter.

gab ² American  

[gab] / gæb /

noun

Machinery.

1. a hook or fork that engages temporarily with a moving rod or lever.

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gab ³ American  

[gab] / gæb /

noun

Scot. Slang.

1. gob.

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gab ¹ British  

/ ɡæb /

verb

1. (intr) to talk excessively or idly, esp about trivial matters; gossip; chatter

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noun

1. idle or trivial talk

2. ability to speak effortlessly, glibly, or persuasively

gab ² British  

/ ɡæb /

noun

1. a hook or open notch in a rod or lever that drops over the spindle of a valve to form a temporary connection for operating the valve

2. a pointed tool used in masonry

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GAB ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Gabon (international car registration)

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gab Idioms  

1. see gift of gab.

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Other Word Forms

• gabber noun

Etymology

Origin of gab¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English noun gab, gabbe “deceit, falsehood, idle talk”; probably from Old Norse gabba “to mock”; gabble

Origin of gab²

First recorded in 1790–95; origin uncertain; possibly from Dutch dialect gabbe “notch, gash”

Example Sentences

Bryant: I remember thinking that it didn’t feel very natural, the way she approached us, but once she was there, it was very natural for us all to gab.

From Los Angeles Times

My friends and I, boys included, had sometimes slipped out in the evenings and gathered at the corner near the lamppost to gab—at least until the disapproving frowns of elders drove us home.

From Literature

I didn’t want her to change her mind, so I just gabbed on about all sorts of rubbish till we got to Karly’s street.

From Literature

Wearing a black-and-white ensemble that bares her midriff, she tucks her feet under her and treats our chat like a gab session.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs. Fischer gabs about our quest to save the coyote until Ms. Andrews cuts her off.

From Literature