tattle

American  

[tat-l] / ˈtæt l /

verb (used without object)

tattled, tattling

1. to let out secrets.

2. to chatter, prate, or gossip.

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verb (used with object)

tattled, tattling

1. to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.

noun

1. the act of tattling.

2. idle talk; chatter; gossip.

tattle British  

/ ˈtætəl /

verb

1. (intr) to gossip about another's personal matters or secrets

2. (tr) to reveal by gossiping

   to tattle a person's secrets

3. (intr) to talk idly; chat

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noun

1. the act or an instance of tattling

2. a scandalmonger or gossip

Other Word Forms

• tattlingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of tattle

1475–85; < Dutch tatelen; cognate with Middle Low German tatelen

Example Sentences

He said clarity was required as to whether someone might be aware of IRA membership or if their knowledge may be based on "tittle tattle".

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2023

We’re hesitant to tattle to our supervisor, but since we’re equals, we’re also not comfortable confronting her.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2022

It has morphed into a broader movement and mind-set encouraging people to tattle on one another to the courts or the state — with grave consequences.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2022

“If Walls Could Talk” they might tattle on the home healthcare worker a woman hires to look after her widowed mother in this new TV movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2022

Wasn’t silly, wasn’t always twiddling her plaits, didn’t tattle or gossip, didn’t hit boys over the head with books or scrape the back of your neck with a sweetgum burr when you weren’t looking.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns