prattle

[prat-l]

verb (used without object)

prattled, prattling 

1. to talk in a foolish or simple-minded way; chatter; babble.

   Synonyms: blab, gabble, jabber, gab

verb (used with object)

prattled, prattling 

1. to utter by chattering or babbling.

noun

1. the act of prattling.

2. chatter; babble.

   the prattle of children.

3. a babbling sound.

   the prattle of water rushing over stones.

prattle

/ ˈprætəl /

verb

1. (intr) to talk in a foolish or childish way; babble

2. (tr) to utter in a foolish or childish way

noun

1. foolish or childish talk

Other Word Forms

• prattler noun
• prattlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prattle¹

1525–35; < Middle Low German pratelen to chatter, frequentative of praten to prate; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of prattle¹

C16: from Middle Low German pratelen to chatter; see _prate

Example Sentences

Her constant prattle had given way to a dreamier state.

Read more on Literature

Lady Constance Ashton prattled without stopping, as if she were trying to keep herself company.

Read more on Literature

As pleasant as it was to escape the grating prattle of Lady Constance and the bizarre behavior of Lord Fredrick, it also felt oddly sad to be the one left behind.

Read more on Literature

Dek, a born intimidator with crisscrossing fangs, wishes she would shut up so he could carry on with the slaying, and falls asleep while she’s prattling on about her life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Influencers and phonies and maybe even the occasional real journalist prattle on in the backgrounds of scenes telling people what to think and do, often making things worse.

Read more on Los Angeles Times