chatter
UK: ˈtʃætə | US: ˈtʃætər
n. rapid, informal, or trivial talk
vi. to talk quickly, continuously, and often aimlessly
vi. (of birds or animals) to make quick, repetitive sounds
The word "chatter" originates from Middle English chateren, an onomatopoeic term mimicking rapid, repetitive sounds (like birds or light conversation). The modern form combines "chat" (from Old French chater, meaning "to gossip") with the suffix "-er," which denotes repeated or habitual action. This reflects the word’s dual association with both human speech and animal noises.
The children chattered excitedly about their school trip.
Squirrels chattered in the trees as we walked through the park.
Her constant chatter made it hard to concentrate.
The audience chattered nervously before the performance began.
The typewriter keys chattered noisily in the quiet office.