Skip to main content

talebearera person who spreads gossip or tells tales about others

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who spreads gossip or tells tales about others

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈteɪlˌberər/

Example Sentences

  • The neighborhood talebearer knew everyone's business before they did.
  • My little brother is such a talebearer that even our dog avoids him.
  • The medieval court was full of talebearers trying to win the king's favor.

talebearer

NOUN

[/ˈteɪlˌberər/]

a person who spreads gossip or tells tales about others

Whispering gossip about others
💡 Concept

Whispering gossip about others

The talebearer whispers about the innocent wearer
🎵 Rhyme

The talebearer whispers about the innocent wearer

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈteɪlˌberər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈteɪlˌbeərə/

🌳Etymology

Roottale
Suffix-bearer

Origin

A Middle English compound formed from 'tale' (story, account) and 'bearer' (one who carries or conveys). Originally a neutral descriptive term for someone who tells or reports stories, the word evolved to acquire pejorative connotations, referring specifically to one who spreads gossip or reports others' secrets maliciously.

Breakdown

tale (story, narrative) + bearer (one who carries or brings). The compound combines a noun denoting narrative content with an agent noun indicating the person who conveys or transmits that content.

🎵Rhyme

bearersharerwearer
bearer
sharer
wearer

🔗Collocations

notorious talebearer
office talebearer
avoid the talebearer
talebearer's gossip
malicious talebearer

📝Examples

The neighborhood talebearer knew everyone's business before they did.

😄 Fun example

My little brother is such a talebearer that even our dog avoids him.

The medieval court was full of talebearers trying to win the king's favor.

😄 Fun example

She earned the title of office talebearer after revealing everyone's lunch plans.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

gossiptattletaleinformerbusybodyscandal-monger

Antonyms

confidanttrustworthy personsecret-keeper

Related

rumorwhisperchatterbackstabberinformant

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.