small talk

noun

: light or casual conversation : chitchat

Examples of small talk in a Sentence

They made small talk while waiting for the meeting to start. at the corporate get-together we made the obligatory small talk with some people from the home office
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After some aimless small talk, the old woman soon gets down to her real, sinister business. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 Students suggested the chatbot use more personable small talk, and one questioned who would have access to their discussions beyond Bullitt's counseling staff. Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Oct. 2025 In this smoldering Water sign, the messenger planet doesn’t do small talk. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 The tech company wants to turn your small talk into big sales. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small talk

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small talk was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20talk. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

small talk

noun
: light or informal conversation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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