What does "chatting" mean?

1. (messaging online) exchanging text messages in real time on a phone or computer. 2. (the act of talk) the activity of having a friendly conversation.

How do you use "chatting"?

Commonly used in the context of social media and instant messaging apps. Often follows verbs like 'stop' or 'start'.

chatting

v. · n.

US //ˈtʃætɪŋ// UK //tʃˈætɪŋ// chat·ting

1 messaging online (v.)
A2 Elementary Computing

exchanging text messages in real time on a phone or computer.

participating in a synchronous exchange of digital messages via an application or platform.

Example

I was chatting with my friends on a group app until late last night.

Example

The customer support representative is currently chatting with several clients simultaneously to resolve their technical issues efficiently.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of social media and instant messaging apps.
- messaging
- texting
2 the act of talk (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

the activity of having a friendly conversation.

the act or instance of engaging in informal talk; functions as a gerund or a verbal noun.

Example

The teacher asked the students to stop their chatting and focus on the lesson.

Example

Constant chatting in the back of the lecture hall proved to be a significant distraction for both the professor and the other students.

Usage

Often follows verbs like 'stop' or 'start'.
- silence

Last updated June 20, 2026