tattle

[tat-l]

verb (used without object)

tattled, tattling 

1. to let out secrets.

2. to chatter, prate, or gossip.

verb (used with object)

tattled, tattling 

1. to utter idly; disclose by gossiping.

noun

1. the act of tattling.

2. idle talk; chatter; gossip.

tattle

/ ˈtætəl /

verb

1. (intr) to gossip about another's personal matters or secrets

2. (tr) to reveal by gossiping

   to tattle a person's secrets

3. (intr) to talk idly; chat

noun

1. the act or an instance of tattling

2. a scandalmonger or gossip

Other Word Forms

• tattlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattle¹

1475–85; < Dutch tatelen; cognate with Middle Low German tatelen

Word History and Origins

Origin of tattle¹

C15 (in the sense: to stammer, hesitate): from Middle Dutch tatelen to prate, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

He also accused BBC News of "uncorroborated tittle tattle" in its reporting.

From BBC

He accused BBC News of "uncorroborated tittle tattle" in its reporting.

From BBC

Hard questions still need to be asked, not least because this is not primarily a story about celebrity tittle tattle, or idle gossip about ITV's star talent.

From BBC

But who were they going to tattle to?

From Literature

But the choice not to tattle on him is simple, and in fact the only straightforward thing about the whole scenario.

From Washington Post