chatterbox: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, often affectionate or mildly critical.
Quick answer
What does “chatterbox” mean?
A person, especially a child, who talks a great deal, often about trivial matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, especially a child, who talks a great deal, often about trivial matters.
A person who talks incessantly; a very talkative individual. Can also refer to a device or system that produces a rapid, continuous, often trivial output of information (e.g., a stock market chatterbox).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Slightly more common as an affectionate term for a talkative child in UK usage, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “chatterbox” in a Sentence
[be/act like] a chatterbox[call/label someone] a chatterboxVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chatterbox” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to describe a colleague who talks excessively in meetings.
Academic
Very rare. Not a technical term.
Everyday
Common, especially in family or social contexts to describe children or friends.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chatterbox”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chatterbox”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chatterbox”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He chatterboxes all day' – incorrect). It is only a noun.
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. It is often affectionate, especially when used for children. It can express mild irritation, but stronger synonyms like 'windbag' or 'blabbermouth' are more clearly negative.
Yes, it can be used for adults. When used for adults, it often has a slightly more critical or humorous tone than when used for children.
'Talkative' is a neutral adjective describing a tendency to talk a lot. 'Chatterbox' is a noun with more character, implying not just talkativeness but a rapid, continuous, often light-hearted flow of speech. It's more specific and vivid.
No, 'chatterbox' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to chatter'.
A person, especially a child, who talks a great deal, often about trivial matters.
Chatterbox is usually informal, often affectionate or mildly critical. in register.
Chatterbox: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃætəbɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃætərbɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Have] a tongue that runs on wheels (similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOX (chatterbox) that, when opened, releases a constant CHATTER of sound and words that you can't stop.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A CONTAINER (the 'box') for excessive speech ('chatter').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chatterbox' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?