babble

[ˈbab(ə)l]

babble Definition

• 1. talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way
• 2. the sound of people talking simultaneously
• 3. the sound of water flowing over rocks

Using babble: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "babble" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The children babbled excitedly about their trip to the zoo.

• Example

  He babbled on about his new car for hours.

• Example

  The stream babbled softly in the background.

• Example

  The room was filled with the babble of voices.

babble Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for babble

• prattle
• chatter
• gibber
• jabber
• ramble

Antonyms for babble

• articulate
• enunciate

Idioms Using babble

• babble like a brook

  to speak in a gentle, soothing, and continuous manner

  Example

  The teacher's voice babbled like a brook, putting the students at ease.

• babble out

  to reveal something unintentionally or without thinking

  Example

  He babbled out the secret to his friend.

• babble of voices

  a confused mixture of many people talking at the same time

  Example

  The classroom was filled with a babble of voices during group work.

Phrases with babble

• babble away

  to talk continuously and incoherently

  Example

  He babbled away about his favorite TV show.

• babble on

  to talk continuously and in a rambling manner

  Example

  She babbled on about her vacation for hours.

• babbling brook

  a small stream or creek that makes a continuous, soft, and soothing sound

  Example

  We sat by the babbling brook and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

Origins of babble

from Middle English 'babelen', imitative of the sound of flowing water

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Summary: babble in Brief

The verb 'babble' [ˈbab(ə)l] means to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way. It can also refer to the sound of people talking simultaneously or water flowing over rocks. Examples include 'The children babbled excitedly about their trip to the zoo.' and 'The stream babbled softly in the background.' Phrases like 'babble away' and idioms like 'babble like a brook' extend the meaning to continuous and soothing speech or unintentional revelation.