tattle
[ tat-l ]
/ ˈtæt l /
verb (used without object), tat·tled, tat·tling.
to let out secrets.
to chatter, prate, or gossip.
verb (used with object), tat·tled, tat·tling.
to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.
noun
the act of tattling.
idle talk; chatter; gossip.
Nearby words
tatti, jacopo, tattie, tattie-bogle, tattie-peelin, tatting, tattle, tattler, tattletale, tattletale gray, tattoo, tattva
Origin of tattle
1475–85; < Dutch tatelen; cognate with Middle Low German tatelen
Related formstat·tling·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for tattle
British Dictionary definitions for tattle
tattle
/ (ˈtætəl) /
verb
(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
noun
the act or an instance of tattling
a scandalmonger or gossip
Word Origin for tattle
C15 (in the sense: to stammer, hesitate): from Middle Dutch tatelen to prate, of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for tattle
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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper