VocabDictionary

gossiping

/ˈɡɒs.ɪ.pɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

The act of engaging in casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Example Sentences:
  • She spent the entire afternoon gossiping with her neighbors about the new family on the block.
  • Gossiping about colleagues in the workplace can severely damage your professional reputation.
2.adjective

Characterized by or given to the spreading of rumors or intimate details about others.

Example Sentences:
  • The gossiping crowd at the party seemed more interested in scandals than in the music.
  • He grew tired of his gossiping friends and decided to find a new social circle.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “gossiping”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'godsibb', meaning 'godparent' (literally 'god-relative'). Originally, a 'gossip' was a close friend or a godparent who attended a birth. Over time, the term shifted from referring to the person to the casual, intimate conversation that took place between such friends, eventually acquiring its modern connotation of idle talk or rumors.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'Go-sip-ing': You go to someone to sip tea while you share secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions About “gossiping

1. What is the meaning of “gossiping” in English?

In English, gossiping (verb) is defined as: “The act of engaging in casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”.

2. How do you use “gossiping” in a sentence?

She spent the entire afternoon gossiping with her neighbors about the new family on the block.

3. What are English synonyms of “gossiping”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “gossiping”?

Derived from the Old English 'godsibb', meaning 'godparent' (literally 'god-relative'). Originally, a 'gossip' was a close friend or a godparent who attended a birth. Over time, the term shifted from referring to the person to the casual, intimate conversation that took place between such friends, eventually acquiring its modern connotation of idle talk or rumors.