gossip
noun B2
Plain meaning
informal talk about other people’s private lives
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss informal talk about other people’s private lives in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe article discussed gossip during the meeting.
examThe passage suggests that spread gossip can shape long-term policy or social outcomes.
Common collocations
spread gossipoffice gossipgossip column
Watch out
Do not use a weak verb before this word. Learn the whole word partnership, e.g., “spread gossip”.