ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chat

n. · v. · interj.
US //ˈtʃæt// UK //tʃˈæt// chat
  1. 1 informal conversation (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a friendly and informal talk with someone.

    an informal, light-hearted conversation. Often used with the verb 'have'.

    Example

    I had a quick chat with my neighbour while I was watering the plants.

    Example

    The manager had a brief chat with the team to ensure everyone was comfortable with the new schedule before the project began.
  2. 2 online messaging (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    an exchange of text or voice messages over the internet.

    the exchange of real-time digital messages via a computer network or messaging application.

    Example

    Send me a message in the group chat so I have your phone number.

    Example

    The technical support team uses a live chat feature to resolve customer queries in real time without the need for a phone call.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to talk informally (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to talk to someone in a friendly, informal way.

    to engage in informal conversation. Intransitive, typically taking the preposition 'to' or 'with'.

    Example

    We sat in the café and chatted for hours about our holiday plans.

    Example

    The delegates spent the coffee break chatting with their counterparts from other regions to build professional rapport.
  2. 4 addressing an online audience (interj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang Humorous Internet

    a word used by people streaming video to talk to everyone watching them.

    a collective vocative used by live-streamers to address their entire viewing audience as a single entity.

    Example

    Is the audio working okay, chat?

    Example

    The streamer looked directly at the camera and asked, 'Chat, do you think we should try the secret level or go straight to the boss?'

    Usage

    Used as a direct address, often at the beginning or end of a sentence.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very specific to internet culture, particularly on platforms like Twitch or YouTube Live; it would sound strange in a physical meeting.
Etymology 1

Clipping of chatter. The bird sense refers to the sound of its call.

Etymology 2

Compare chit (“small piece of paper”), and chad.

Etymology 3

Unknown.

Etymology 4

From thieves' cant.

Word family
Idioms4 entries

© 2026 English Reference