tattletale

[ tat-l-teyl ]

noun

1. a talebearer or informer, especially among children.

adjective

1. telltale; revealing:

   a tattletale smear of lipstick on his collar.

tattletale

/ ˈtætəlˌteɪl /

noun

1. a scandalmonger or gossip
2. See telltale
   another word for telltale

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattletale¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; tattle + tale

Example Sentences

Course, I didn't need to worry, because Stinky told them all right, just like a tattletale.

From Project Gutenberg

That First Lieutenant of ours either has eyes in the back of his head or else the Sergeant is a tattletale.

From Project Gutenberg

He wanted a dog to help him hunt, but he did not want a tattletale.

From Project Gutenberg