I. ˈprad. ə l, -at ə l verb
( prattled ; prattled ; prattling -d. ə liŋ, -t( ə )liŋ ; prattles )
Etymology: Low German pratelen, from Middle Low German prātelen; akin to Middle Dutch praten to prate — more at prate
intransitive verb
1. : to talk or say much and idly : prate
2. : to utter meaningless sounds that are suggestive of the chatter of children
water prattling over rocks
transitive verb
: to say lightly and artlessly : babble
prattled his secret to unfriendly ears
II. noun
( -s )
1. : trifling or empty talk or chatter : trivial loquacity : prate , babble
2. : a sound (as of a brook) that is meaningless and repetitive like the chatter of children