I. ˈcha-tər verb
Etymology: Middle English chatteren, of imitative origin
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1. : to utter rapid short sounds suggestive of language but inarticulate and indistinct
squirrels chatter ed angrily
2. : to talk idly, incessantly, or fast
3.
a. : to click repeatedly or uncontrollably
teeth chatter ing with cold
b. : to vibrate rapidly in cutting
a chatter ing tool
c. : to vibrate especially audibly as a consequence of repeated sticking and slipping
chatter ing brakes
transitive verb
: to utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly
• chat·ter·er noun
• chat·tery -tə-rē adjective
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1. : the action or sound of chattering
2. : idle talk : prattle