small talkˈsmall talk noun [uncountable] 
We stood around making small talk.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- But elderly ladies make me feel uncomfortable and our small talk petered out.
- He had always hated small talk.
- I malinger, making small talk.
- I tried to make polite small talk with him although he seemed distinctly taciturn, if not downright moody.
- I was just making small talk and some of it was the most petty talk that I've ever heard!
- The only problem for movie fans is the small talk.
- We sat around making small talk.
- What was the point of the small talk and laugher?
THESAURUS
noun [countable, uncountable] an informal talk in which people exchange news, feelings, and thoughts: · I was having a conversation with a friend the other day.· Conversation wasn’t easy because of all the noise.· He overheard our conversation about the children.
noun [countable, uncountable] a conversation about something important: · There was a lot of discussion about where the money was going to come from.· The two companies have been having discussions about a possible takeover.
noun [countable] a long conversation, especially about a problem or about what you plan to do: · We had a long talk about our relationship.
noun [countable] especially British English an informal friendly conversation: · I’ve just had a chat with Vinnie.
noun [singular] British English informal a conversation with a friend about unimportant things: · Mary and Jean were having a cup of tea and a natter.
noun [singular, uncountable] conversations in which people talk about things they have heard, especially about other people’s private lives, which may well not be true: · She always enjoyed going to friends’ houses and having a gossip.· It’s all just gossip.
noun [uncountable] polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjects, especially when you do not know someone very well and feel a little nervous: · We stood around making small talk about the weather.
noun [uncountable] friendly conversation in which people joke with each other and gently make fun of each other: · She enjoyed the friendly banter with her colleagues at the office.
Longman Language Activatora conversation when people talk to each other, especially in an informal situation: · Martha's a fascinating woman. I really enjoyed our conversation.· The noise of the traffic made conversation almost impossible.· They didn't realize someone was taping their telephone conversation.conversation with: · I was too shy to start a conversation with anyone there.have a conversation: · Vicky was having a long conversation with the bartender.topic of conversation: · Baker's resignation became a hot topic of conversation around the office.come up in conversation (=be mentioned as part of the conversation): · Every time his father's name came up in conversation, Tom became nervous.
especially British an informal, friendly conversation: · He didn't want anything in particular. He just stopped for a chat.· Mary took Tina in the other room for a private chat.have a chat: · I'm actually glad you're late - it gave Ken and me a chance to have a good chat.
the kind of conversation in which people talk about unimportant things in order to be polite or to avoid serious subjects: · Most of what gets said at parties is just small talk.make small talk: · Heath doesn't waste time making small talk - he comes straight to the point.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY We stood around making small talk.
polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjects: We stood around making small talk. We stood around making small talk.