# gabby

/ˈɡæbi/ (US) · /ɡˈæbi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gabby
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

talking a lot, often about things that are not very important. You might use this to describe a friend who never stops chatting.

For teachers: tending to talk excessively or loquaciously, often about trivial matters. Informal in tone and frequently carries a slightly critical or weary connotation.

## Examples

- My neighbor is very gabby and always stops me to chat.
- The meeting took twice as long as expected because a few gabby participants kept going off on tangents.
- While her gabby nature made her a popular figure at social gatherings, it proved a liability in the workplace where concise communication was highly valued.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'get'; frequently used to describe personality traits rather than temporary states.

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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.