English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English blabben (to talk foolishly), perhaps from Middle English blabbe (idle talk; talebearer). Compare Middle English blaberen (to blabber, babble), Middle High German blabezen (to stammer, babble).

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /blæb/
    • (file)
  • Rhymes: -æb

Verb edit

blab (third-person singular simple present blabs, present participle blabbing, simple past and past participle blabbed)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To tell tales; to gossip without reserve or discretion.
  2. to speak carelessly or excessively

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Noun edit

blab (countable and uncountable, plural blabs)

  1. (countable) One who blabs; a babbler; a telltale; a gossip or gossiper.
    • 1951, C. S. Lewis, Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia:
      "You'd better have shoved your grey snout in a hornets' nest, Badger, than suggest that I am the blab," said Nikabrik.
  2. (uncountable) Gossip; prattle.
    • 1976, David Toulmin, Blown Seed, page 148:
      Audie never liked him because he was further in with old Craig than he was, bragging and blowing about his work and the things he could do, while Audie sat quiet as a mouse listening to his blab.

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