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Synonyms

talebearer

American  
[tayl-bair-er] / ˈteɪlˌbɛər ər /

noun

  1. a person who spreads gossip, secrets, etc., that may cause trouble or harm.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of talebearer

First recorded in 1470–80; tale + bearer


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.

See Examples For:

“A talebearer revealeth secrets,” says Proverbs in an early complaint, “but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2019

Unpredictably clever, obscurely erudite, obstinately elusive about answering his own questions, Sloan could be the Comrade V. of novelists: the talebearer as dehumanized intellect.

From Time Magazine Archive

Its talebearer is gaunt, ghost-grey Dr. Hereward Carrington, director of the American Psychical Institute, an oldtime spook-hunter who likes to spend his vacations in haunted houses.

From Time Magazine Archive

To be no truce-breaker, nor talebearer nor backbiter.

From The story of Burnt Njal From the Icelandic of the Njals Saga by George Webbe Dasent

"Go and tell her, little talebearer," snarled Giles.

From The Cloister and the Hearth A Tale of the Middle Ages by Charles Reade

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