tattle
- to let out secrets.
- to chatter, prate, or gossip.
- to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.
- the act of tattling.
- idle talk; chatter; gossip.
Origin of tattle
Related Words for tattle
prate, yak, jabber, spill, babble, leak, snitch, noise, rumor, chat, gossip, prattle, blab, chatter, talk, squealExamples from the Web for tattle
Historical Examples of tattle
He lowered his voice as if a sea urchin might hear and tattle.
Her Father's DaughterGene Stratton-Porter
Is not this better than the indulgence in perpetual trifling and tattle?
The Young MaidenA. B. (Artemas Bowers) Muzzey
So much so that if she had a husband, he dare not beat her lest she run and tattle to them.
The Arrow-MakerMary Austin
Sooner I had a snake in my hut to run and tattle to the gods of me.
The Arrow-MakerMary Austin
It was no maiden, nor the tattle of the town, that brought you this.
tattle
- (intr) to gossip about another's personal matters or secrets
- (tr) to reveal by gossipingto tattle a person's secrets
- (intr) to talk idly; chat
- the act or an instance of tattling
- a scandalmonger or gossip
Word Origin for tattle
Word Origin and History for tattle
late 15c., "to stammer, prattle," in Caxton's translation of "Reynard the Fox," probably from Middle Flemish tatelen "to stutter," parallel to Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, East Frisian tateren "to chatter, babble," possibly of imitative origin. The meaning "tell tales or secrets" is first recorded 1580s. Sense influenced by tittle. Related: Tattled; tattling.