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• gab
  gab

  verb (used without object)

  to talk or chat idly; chatter.
• GAB
  GAB

  abbreviation

  Gabon (international car registration)

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”; cf. gabble

Origin of gab²

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

Explanation

When you gab, you chatter on and on. You might like to gab on the phone with your friend after school. To talk and talk, especially about gossipy or trivial things, is to gab. Your dad might gab over the fence with the neighbor, and you may sit in the front of the bus so you can gab with the friendly driver. You can also describe the chatter itself as gab. The oldest meaning of gab may come from thirteenth century Scottish dialect, "to reproach," although it may in fact be rooted in the Old French gobe, "mouthful or lump."

Example Sentences

"A common misconception is that opioid overdoses primarily affect younger people," said Gab Pasia, M.A., lead author of the study and a medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

From Science Daily • Oct. 13, 2025

For broader propaganda and outreach they rely on alternative social media platforms such as Gab, Odysee, VK and sometimes BitChute.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

In Screen Gab No. 153, our resident ‘SNL’ buffs break down the series’ 1975 premiere, the creators of ‘South Park’ save a beloved Mexican restaurant and more.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

The court also heard that Edward had two accounts on Gab, a social media platform popular with the far right.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2024

“The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the thrill of opening night on Broadway with my favorite musicomedy stars. Gab sessions in the Village over espresso with challenging, contemporary minds.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole