gossip

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people

   the divorce caused much gossip

2. 2
   noun

   Someone who likes to talk about other people's private or personal business.

   Be careful what you say to him: he’s a bit of a gossip.

3. 3
   noun

   Idle talk about someone’s private or personal matters, especially about someone not present.

   According to the latest gossip, their relationship is on the rocks.

4. 4
   noun

   Idle conversation in general.

   The parlor was always bright and attractive, the chessboard ready, the piano in tune, plenty of gay gossip, and a nice little supper set forth in tempting style.

5. 5
   noun

   A genre in contemporary media, usually focused on the personal affairs of celebrities.

   a gossip columnist

6. 6
   noun

   A sponsor; a godfather or godmother; the godparent of one's child or godchild, or the parent of one's godchild.

   ’tis not a maid, for she hath had gossips [i.e. she could not be a virgin, because she has children with godparents]

7. 7
   noun

   A familiar acquaintance.

   My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal: I thank ye heartily;

8. 8
   noun

   Title used with the name of one's child's godparent or of a friend.

   What, ho, gossip Ford! what, ho!

Etymology

From Middle English godsybbe, godsib (“a close friend or relation, a confidant; a godparent”), from Old English godsibb (“godparent, sponsor”), equivalent to god + sib. Doublet of godsib. For sense evolution to "gossip, discussing others' personal affairs," compare French commérage.