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 Emarginata or Myrmecocichla)

4

: online discussion in a chat room

also : an instance of such discussion

participate in computer chats

Synonyms of chat

Verb

• talk
• converse
• chatter

Noun

• talk
• chatter
• gossip
• chitchat

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

Many spent the hours of downtime chatting about the case; others read books or idly gazed out the lofty courthouse windows. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Amal Clooney stunned in a red gown, as did Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, fresh off delivering a master class on the Lido, went from table to table chatting with guests as dinner was served. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 Sep. 2026

Noun

The two maintained a relationship after their first chat, as Nomo’s job called for occasional check-ins with the Padres’ minor league affiliates. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

You could be tempted to let a friend, sibling or group chat decide everything just to avoid an unnecessary debate. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for chat

• at
• bat
• batt
• brat
• cat
• fat
• flat
• gat
• gnat
• hat
• kat
• mat

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