schmooze

1 of 2

verb

ˈshmüz 

variants or shmooze

schmoozed or shmoozed; schmoozing or shmoozing

intransitive verb

: to converse informally : chat

also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections

transitive verb

: to engage in schmoozing with

she schmoozed her professors

schmoozer

ˈshmü-zər 

noun

schmooze

2 of 2

noun

1

: a gathering or time devoted to schmoozing

2

: casual talk that is often gossipy or ingratiating

Did you know?

Schmooze (also spelled shmooze) comes from Yiddish schmues, meaning "talk," which itself is from Hebrew shěmu’ōth, "news" or "rumor." Although originally used to indicate simply talking in an informal and warm manner, the word now commonly suggests discussion for the purposes of gaining something.

Synonyms

Verb

• babble
• blab
• cackle
• chaffer [British]
• chat
• chatter
• chin [slang]
• converse
• gab
• gabble
• gas
• jabber
• jaw
• kibitz
• kibbitz
• natter
• palaver
• patter
• prate
• prattle
• rap
• rattle
• run on
• talk
• twitter
• visit

Noun

• backchat
• cackle
• causerie
• chat
• chatter
• chin music
• chin-wag [slang]
• chitchat
• confab
• confabulation
• gab
• gabfest
• gossip
• jangle
• jaw
• natter [chiefly British]
• palaver
• patter
• rap
• small talk
• table talk
• talk
• tête-à-tête

Examples of schmooze in a Sentence

Verb

People will have time to schmooze during the cocktail hour.

spent every spare minute of the conference schmoozing with the industry's power players

Noun

had to master the art of the schmooze if she wanted to get ahead in the business

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As Venus tempts you to play around and schmooze, the confusing encounter between Venus in your reputation sector and intense Pluto could push you overboard in your search for pleasure and fun. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2024

Ben Platt chatted with Nick Jonas, Brooke Shields (clad in yellow crocs) caught up with Cynthia Erivo, and Jennifer Hudson schmoozed with Danai Gurira. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 June 2024

Noun

This is the perfect day to schmooze and enjoy the company of others, especially younger people or children. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 15 June 2024

Accept invitations to schmooze and socialize with others. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Yiddish shmuesn, from schmues talk, from Hebrew shĕmu'ōth news, rumor

First Known Use

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

schmooze

verb

variants or shmooze

ˈshmüz

schmoozed or shmoozed; schmoozing or shmoozing

: to converse informally : chat

also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections

schmoozer

ˈshmü-zər

noun

Etymology

Verb

Yiddish shmuesn "to chat," from Hebrew shĕmu'ōth "news, rumor"