noun
scuttlebutt
SKUH-tuhl-buht
Scuttlebutt (noun) means Gossip or informal rumour. Example: “The scuttlebutt around the office was that layoffs were coming.”
noun
1
Gossip or informal rumour.
"The scuttlebutt around the office was that layoffs were coming."
2
A water cask or drinking fountain on a ship, historically where sailors gathered and talked.
"Sailors would swap stories at the scuttlebutt during their break."
How to use scuttlebutt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal word for gossip or rumour — much like "water cooler talk."
When to use it
Informal, American in flavour, and often used slightly playfully.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- scuttlebutts
- Third person singular
- scuttlebutts
- Past tense
- scuttlebutted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ around the office was that layoffs were coming.
Etymology
From scuttle ("to cut a hole in") + butt ("wooden cask"). Sailors gathered around the ship's water cask to drink and gossip, similar to the modern "water cooler talk."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “scuttlebutt” mean?
The word “scuttlebutt” means gossip or informal rumour. In plain terms, informal word for gossip or rumour — much like "water cooler talk.".
How do you pronounce “scuttlebutt”?
“Scuttlebutt” is pronounced SKUH-tuhl-buht (/ˈskʌtəlˌbʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuttlebutt” in a sentence?
Here is “scuttlebutt” used in a sentence: “The scuttlebutt around the office was that layoffs were coming.”
What part of speech is “scuttlebutt”?
“Scuttlebutt” is a noun.
How many meanings does “scuttlebutt” have?
“Scuttlebutt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: gossip or informal rumour.
