[syn: chatter, chattering]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chatter \Chat"ter\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Chattered; p. pr. &
vb. n. Chattering.] [Of imitative origin. Cf. Chat, v. i.
Chitter.]
1. To utter sounds which somewhat resemble language, but are
inarticulate and indistinct.
[1913 Webster]
The jaw makes answer, as the magpie chatters.
--Wordsworth.
[1913 Webster]
2. To talk idly, carelessly, or with undue rapidity; to
jabber; to prate.
[1913 Webster]
To tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. To make a noise by rapid collisions.
[1913 Webster]
With chattering teeth, and bristling hair upright.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chattering \Chat"ter*ing\, n.
The act or habit of talking idly or rapidly, or of making
inarticulate sounds; the sounds so made; noise made by the
collision of the teeth; chatter.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
chattering
n 1: the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine
[syn: chatter, chattering]
2: the high-pitched continuing noise made by animals (birds or
monkeys) [syn: chatter, chattering]