natter

[ nat-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to talk incessantly; chatter.

noun

1. a conversation; chat.

natter

/ ˈnætə /

verb

1. intr to talk idly and at length; chatter or gossip

noun

1. prolonged idle chatter or gossip

Derived Forms

• ˈnatterer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of natter¹

First recorded in 1820–30; variant of earlier gnatter < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of natter¹

C19: changed from gnatter to grumble, of imitative origin; compare Low German gnatteren

Example Sentences

She means it, I believe; but she does natter him so that it would make me sick, if it didn't make me so wretched!

From Project Gutenberg

I niver seed a man pitch into anything like as that Natter-list did into that horseflesh.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not worth the while to natter The pride of writers we despise.

From Project Gutenberg

Though you are indeed the fairest of women, those men only natter you; they do not love you.

From Project Gutenberg

The Natter-jack (Bufo calamita), a closely allied species to the common toad, is found about Killarney.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• babble
• blather
• cackle