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Definition of tattle

tattle

/ˈtæt.əl/
tat · tle
Past Simple:tattled
•
Past Participle:tattled
•
Present Participle:tattling
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tattle Lexical Profile

tattle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To report another person's wrongdoing or secrets to an authority figure, especially in a petty or childish manner.

Example

"The younger brother threatened to tattle to their parents if he was not allowed to play the game."

2

To talk idly, chatter, or spread trivial gossip.

Example

"The neighbors gathered by the fence to tattle about the latest local rumors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

Idle talk, chatter, or trivial gossip.

Example

"She ignored the office tattle and stayed focused on finishing her report."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tattle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tattle

• Rhymes for tattle

• Nearby Words

tattered
tatters
tatting
tattle
tattler
tattletale
tattoo

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating to the late 15th century from Middle English tatelen ('to stammer or chatter'), the word is of Germanic and imitative origin, closely related to Middle Flemish tatelen and Middle Low German tateln.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tattle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tattle
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