What does gossip mean?
Gossip is informal communication about other people, especially details concerning their private lives, relationships, behavior, or personal circumstances. As a noun, it can refer both to this kind of talk and to a person who habitually repeats it. As a verb, gossip means to spread or discuss such information. The word often implies that the reports are unverified, exaggerated, or irrelevant, giving it a derogatory or disapproving tone, although it may also be used neutrally to describe social conversation. Gossip appears in expressions involving idle or office talk, while gossip columnists and magazines are considered to report on celebrities and public figures. The word has an unusual history: it originally referred to a godparent or baptismal sponsor and only later acquired its modern associations with unofficial talk and people who share it.
Informal talk about other people's private lives, or a person who habitually shares such talk.
"The couple tried to keep their disagreement private, but gossip has a way of getting around."
To spread or discuss unofficial, often personal information about other people.
"Several employees were gossiping about the director's resignation."
The plural usually refers to people who habitually share gossip.
"The office gossips met for coffee before the weekly meeting."
Gossip began as a word for a godparent—before it became a word for talking about everyone else's business.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gossip
Gossip descends from Old English godsib, a compound of god and sib, meaning a baptismal sponsor or godparent. Its meaning developed through relationships among sponsors before shifting in Middle English toward idle talk and, eventually, a person who shares such talk. Modern forms such as godparent, godchild, godson, and goddaughter reflect the same religious-compound tradition from which gossip originated.
Related word forms
How gossip is actually used
Gossip is informal and generally carries a negative connotation: it suggests talk that is unverified, trivial, or potentially malicious. The verb can similarly imply irresponsible or indiscreet communication.