chat

1 of 2

verb

ˈchat 

chatted; chatting

intransitive verb

1

: chatter, prattle

2

a

: to talk in an informal or familiar manner

b

: to take part in an online discussion in a chat room

transitive verb

chiefly British : to talk to

especially : to talk lightly, glibly, or flirtatiously with

—often used with up

chat

2 of 2

noun

1

: idle small talk : chatter

2

: light informal or familiar talk

especially : conversation

3

[imitative] : any of several songbirds (as of the genera Cercomela, Granatellus, or Icteria)

4

: online discussion in a chat room

also : an instance of such discussion

participate in computer chats

Synonyms

Verb

• babble
• blab
• cackle
• chaffer [British]
• chatter
• chin [slang]
• converse
• gab
• gabble
• gas
• jabber
• jaw
• kibitz
• kibbitz
• natter
• palaver
• patter
• prate
• prattle
• rap
• rattle
• run on
• schmooze
• shmooze
• talk
• twitter
• visit

Noun

• backchat
• cackle
• causerie
• chatter
• chin music
• chin-wag [slang]
• chitchat
• confab
• confabulation
• gab
• gabfest
• gossip
• jangle
• jaw
• natter [chiefly British]
• palaver
• patter
• rap
• schmooze
• small talk
• table talk
• talk
• tête-à-tête

Examples of chat in a Sentence

Verb

We chatted about our plans for the summer.

called him up to chat

She stayed up all night chatting with her friends online.

Noun

We enjoyed a chat over coffee.

software used for e-mail and chat

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The actress joined the eponymous talk show host on Wednesday to chat about her forthcoming film. —Julia Teti, WWD, 18 July 2024

The Hollywood Reporter chatted with Stokes, Simone Bent Garity and Troy Garity, Armani’s Chase Leger, Celine Khavarani and Barry Frediani. —Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024

Noun

Meanwhile, at her place, Kristen wakes up to see that her laptop is open, the camera is on and David’s Last Connection chat is open. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 July 2024

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential assistance to anyone affected by domestic violence through a live chat and a free 24-hour hotline: [phone]. —Megan Vaz, Sacramento Bee, 18 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English chatten, short for chatteren

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chat

• chat line
• chat room
• chat show
• chat up
• chat-up line
• pas de chat

Kids Definition

chat

1 of 2 verb

ˈchat 

chatted; chatting

1

: to talk in a friendly manner about things that are not serious

2

: to take part in an online discussion in a chat room

chat

2 of 2 noun

1

: a light friendly conversation

2

: a talk held over the Internet by people using a chat room

3

: any of several songbirds with a chattering call