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Definition of tattler

tattler

/ˈtæt.lɚ/
tat · tler

Plural:tattlers
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tattler Lexical Profile

tattler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who gossips, chatters, or reveals secrets, especially a child who needlessly reports another's minor wrongdoing to an authority figure.

Example

"The teacher gently reminded the young boy that being a tattler over minor playground disagreements was not the best way to handle conflicts."


2

Any of several medium-sized migratory shorebirds of the genus Tringa, particularly native to the Pacific region and characterized by their loud, ringing, repetitive alarm calls when disturbed.

Example

"The wandering tattler was spotted foraging among the rocky tidal pools along the remote Alaskan coast."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tattler

• Rhymes for tattler

Word Origin & Etymology

From the verb 'tattle' (likely from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'tatelen', meaning to stammer, babble, or prattle) combined with the agent suffix '-er'. Its use to describe the shorebird refers to the bird's loud, ringing alarm calls that seem to 'tell on' approaching intruders.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


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