As a Noun: 1. A story that someone tells, often a true story with added details which they have invented to make it more interesting. English = tale, yarn, story. 2. A person who talks a lot. English = chatterbox. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To tell a story; to tell a tale (often exaggerated or only partially true). Idiomatic English = spin a yarn. 2. Of a person, to talk a lot, especially by telling stories that are highly exaggerated or only partially true.