chat

chat · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    An informal conversation.

  2. 2.

    To talk in a friendly and informal way.

  3. 3.

    To exchange messages online in real time.

  4. 4.

    An online conversation in real time.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chat up — (British) to talk flirtatiously with someone
  • •
    chat room — an online forum for real-time conversation
  • •
    have a chat — to have an informal conversation
  • •
    fireside chat — an informal talk (from FDR's radio addresses)

Related words

See also: chatter, conversation, message, talk
Synonyms: chatter, converse, gossip, talk

Etymology

From Middle English chatten, a shortened form of chateren ("to chatter"), of imitative origin mimicking rapid speech sounds.