NYT Dictionary

TELLTALE

/ˈtɛlteɪl/

NounAdjectiveTELL-taletell-tale · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

One who divulges private information with intent to hurt others.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From tell + tale, perhaps dissimilated from earlier taleteller, from Middle English tale tellere (literally “tale teller”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

blabbermouthgossiprumormongersquealertalebearertattletalecarrytaleblabblabtaleblabtongue

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles:

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