babbling

bab-bling · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Incoherent or meaningless speech; rapid talking with little sense.

  2. 2.

    The sound of water flowing over stones; a murmuring sound.

  3. 3.

    Making continuous, incoherent sounds; chattering.

  4. 4.

    Talking rapidly and continuously in a foolish or incoherent way.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    babbling brook — A small stream making a murmuring sound.
  • •
    babbling idiot — (Derogatory) Someone talking nonsense.
  • •
    stop babbling — Command to speak more coherently.

Related words

Antonyms: quiet, silence
See also: babble, chatter, murmur, prattle
Synonyms: chattering, gibbering, jabbering, prattling

Etymology

Present participle of babble, from Middle English babelen, of imitative origin, suggesting the sound of confused speech. Related to Dutch babbelen and German babbeln.