Main Entry: ¹chat·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈcha-tər\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English chatteren, of imitative origin

Date: 13th century

intransitive verb 1 : to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct <squirrels chattered angrily>
2 : to talk idly, incessantly, or fast
3 a : to click repeatedly or uncontrollably <teeth chattering with cold> b : to vibrate rapidly in cutting <a chattering tool> c : to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping <chattering brakes>transitive verb : to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly

— chat·ter·er noun

— chat·tery \-tə-rē\ adjective