chatter
/ˈtʃætə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtʃætər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈcha-tər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈtʃæt.ər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtʃæt̬.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
chatter — verb
- chatterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- chattershe / she / it
- chatteredpast simple
- chattering-ing form
1. to speak quickly and at length about everyday or unimportant subjects, often in
to speak quickly and at length about everyday or unimportant subjects, often in a friendly or lively way
Two friends sat in a café and chattered about their weekend plans for an hour.
chatter + about + topic of conversation
Aiko chattered happily on the phone with her cousin about a new film.
chatter + happily (adverb modifier)
The children chattered excitedly on the bus as they headed toward the zoo.
Everyone at the dinner table chattered so loudly that no one heard the doorbell ring.
文法句型
chatter + about + topic
用法筆記
Frequently used in the continuous form (be chattering) to describe an ongoing, lively conversation. Subject is typically a group of two or more people.
常見錯誤
2. to make many quick, high-pitched noises — used of birds, monkeys, and similar an
to make many quick, high-pitched noises — used of birds, monkeys, and similar animals
The parrots in the garden chattered noisily as the sun began to set.
animal + chatter + adverb of manner
Leila could hear the squirrels chattering in the old oak tree outside her window.
The monkeys chattered loudly and swung from branch to branch at the wildlife park.
Colourful birds chattered in the hedge as Tomás walked past with his dog.
文法句型
animal + chatter(s)
用法筆記
Used specifically of birds (especially parrots, magpies), monkeys, and squirrels. Not used for large animals (lions, horses) or insects.
3. Your teeth chatter when they knock together very quickly without you being able
Your teeth chatter when they knock together very quickly without you being able to stop them, usually because you feel extremely cold or frightened
Diego stood in the cold wind, his teeth chattering so hard he could not speak.
teeth + chattering (progressive, describing physical state)
The hiker's teeth began to chatter as night fell and the temperature dropped below freezing.
Priya was so frightened by the film that her teeth chattered through every scary scene.
The swimmer's teeth chattered loudly as she climbed out of the freezing mountain river.
- knock together
more literal, less idiomatic than chatter
文法句型
teeth + chatter
用法筆記
Only used with teeth as the subject — you cannot use chatter to describe other body parts shaking from cold.
常見錯誤
chatter — noun
1. lively but unimportant conversation about everyday matters rather than serious t
lively but unimportant conversation about everyday matters rather than serious topics
The office chatter at the water cooler never seemed to include anything about actual work.
collocation: office chatter
During the break, Hana could hear the chatter of students discussing their weekend trips.
chatter + of + [group of people]
The chatter in the hall grew louder as people waited for the concert to begin.
Rohan tried to focus on his book despite the chatter from the table beside him.
- small talk
polite conversation about unimportant topics, often in professional settings
- chitchat
informal, very similar to chatter but slightly more casual
- gossip
talk about other people's private lives, often negative
用法筆記
Uncountable — you cannot say 'a chatter' or 'chatters' to mean a conversation. Used with a singular verb.
常見錯誤
2. the series of short, high sounds that birds, monkeys, and some other animals pro
the series of short, high sounds that birds, monkeys, and some other animals produce
The chatter of the monkeys could be heard from far across the forest canopy.
the chatter + of + [animal]
Nadia loved waking up to the chatter of birds in the garden outside her window.
The chatter of parakeets filled the afternoon air near the tropical riverbank.
Yara recorded the chatter of the dolphins using a small underwater microphone.
- calls
more general term for animal sounds, especially birds
- twittering
specifically of birds, softer and more musical than chatter
3. the exchange of messages and informal conversation that happens on social media,
the exchange of messages and informal conversation that happens on social media, forums, or messaging apps
The team's chatter on the app was full of jokes and memes about their project.
chatter + on + [platform]
Kofi joined the online chatter about the new video game, sharing tips with other players.
collocation: online chatter
The chatter on the forum grew intense as users debated the latest technology news.
Amina scrolled through the chatter on social media to find news about the event.
用法筆記
Often refers to informal, non-professional discussion online. In business contexts, 'team chatter' or 'Slack chatter' is common.