# babbling

/ˈbæbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈæblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/babbling
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the sound of many people talking at the same time in a way that is hard to understand. It can also describe a stream of water that flows quickly and makes a lot of noise.

For teachers: the sound of many voices speaking simultaneously in a confused or unintelligible manner; also refers to the rapid, noisy flow of a stream or river.

## Examples

- The babbling of the children filled the park.
- The babbling of the stream provided a soothing background as we sat by the bank.
- The courtroom fell into a state of babbling as the judge's gavel struck the desk, silencing the sudden outburst of voices from the gallery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.