small talk

noun

: light or casual conversation : chitchat

Examples of small talk in a Sentence

They made small talk while waiting for the meeting to start. at the corporate get-together we made the obligatory small talk with some people from the home office
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most of the conversation consisted of small talk, Payne wrote in the report, with a focus on Kohberger’s studies and his interests in criminal justice and criminology. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 The summary of the interview written by the Moscow detective describes a lot of small talk before Kohberger acknowledged hearing about a killing and then invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. Nbc News, NBC news, 24 July 2025 Many TikTokers share the belief that Gen Z has lost the art of small talk and social pleasantries, and that this manifests in a blank stare, often in response to questions. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Digital parenting expert Yaron Litwin, CMO of the Canopy parental control app, told Newsweek that the stare may be a rejection of small talk rather than a sign of disrespect. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for small talk

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small talk was in 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20talk. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

small talk

noun
: light or informal conversation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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