chat

[ chat ]
See synonyms for chat on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object),chat·ted, chat·ting.
  1. to converse in a familiar or informal manner.

  2. Digital Technology. to participate with one or more people, through the internet, in a real-time conversation, typically as a series of short text exchanges in a specific application, as instant messaging, or by using images, voice, video, or some combination of these: The kids were able to chat with their grandma online.Join our online community to chat about TV shows.

noun
  1. an informal conversation: We had a pleasant chat.

  2. Digital Technology. a real-time conversation between two or more people over the internet or another computer network:Join our free video chat. Have a live chat with one of our customer service representatives.: See also instant messaging, chat room.

  1. any of several small Old World thrushes, especially of the genus Saxicola, having a chattering cry.

adjective
  1. Digital Technology. noting or relating to an online chat: a chat session.

Verb Phrases
  1. chat up, Chiefly British.

    • to talk flirtatiously with.

    • to talk to in a friendly, open way.

Origin of chat

1
First recorded in 1400–50; (verb) late Middle English chatt(e); short for chatter

Other words for chat

Other words from chat

  • chat·ta·ble, adjective

Other definitions for Chât. (2 of 2)

Chât.

abbreviation
  1. (especially in Bordeaux wines) Château.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for chat (1 of 2)

chat1

/ (tʃæt) /


noun
  1. informal conversation or talk conducted in an easy familiar manner

  2. the exchange of messages in an internet or other network chatroom

  1. any Old World songbird of the subfamily Turdinae (thrushes, etc) having a harsh chattering cry: See also stonechat, whinchat

  2. any of various North American warblers, such as Icteria virens (yellow-breasted chat)

  3. any of various Australian wrens (family Muscicapidae) of the genus Ephthianura and other genera

verbchats, chatting or chatted (intr)
  1. to talk in an easy familiar way

  2. to exchange messages in a chatroom

Origin of chat

1
C16: short for chatter

British Dictionary definitions for chat (2 of 2)

chat2

/ (tʃæt) /


noun
  1. archaic, or dialect a catkin, esp a willow catkin

Origin of chat

2
C15: from French chat cat, referring to the furry appearance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012