v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Babbled p. pr. & vb. n. Babbling. ] [ Cf. LG. babbeln, D. babbelen, G. bappeln, bappern, F. babiller, It. babbolare; prob. orig., to keep saying ba, imitative of a child learning to talk. ] 1. To utter words indistinctly or unintelligibly; to utter inarticulate sounds; as a child babbles. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To talk incoherently; to utter unmeaning words. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To talk much; to chatter; to prate. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To make a continuous murmuring noise, as shallow water running over stones. [ 1913 Webster ] In every babbling brook he finds a friend. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Hounds are said to babble, or to be babbling, when they are too noisy after having found a good scent. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To prate; prattle; chatter; gossip. [ 1913 Webster ] |