natter
Americanverb (used without object)
noun
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of natter
First recorded in 1820–30; variant of earlier gnatter < ?
Explanation
To natter is to talk at length about unimportant things. When you feel a little awkward and uncomfortable at a party, you might natter to the one person you know there for far too long. To natter is to chatter or blather or jabber — you don't natter about serious or deep topics. If you gossip with your neighbor for a few minutes, you can say that you natter. And, if you chat with your best friend on the phone in a lighthearted way, you also natter. Natter comes from the northern England dialect gnatter, "chatter," and also "grumble." Earlier, it meant, "nibble away."
Vocabulary lists containing natter
Chains
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words Coined or Popularized by Presidents
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Wayne State's Top Ten Words We Should All Use More
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The other ladies who gather to knit and natter in her small English village thought the ears should be bigger.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2023
While politicians natter, markets move on as individuals and organizations chart their own courses.
From Fox News • Oct. 1, 2020
"I told you to be quiet the other day, you've done nothing but natter."
From BBC • Oct. 22, 2018
The leaves natter even if you can’t see them.
From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2016
Natter natter, you should play with the littles.
From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
