speak

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verb

ˈspēk 

spoke ˈspōk  ; spoken ˈspō-kən  ; speaking

intransitive verb

1

a

: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk

b(1)

: to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally

(2)

: to extend a greeting

(3)

: to be friendly enough to engage in conversation

still were not speaking after the dispute

c(1)

: to express oneself before a group

(2)

: to address one's remarks

speak to the issue

2

a

: to make a written statement

his diaries … spoke … of his entrancement with death

—Sy Kahn

b

: to use such an expression

—often used in the phrase so to speak

was at the enemy's gates, so to speak

—C. S. Forester

c

: to serve as spokesperson

3

a

: to express feelings by other than verbal means

actions speak louder than words

b

: signal

c

: to be interesting or attractive : appeal

great music … speaks directly to the emotions

—A. N. Whitehead

4

: to make a request or claim

—used with for

—usually used in passive constructions

the seat was already spoken for

5

: to make a characteristic or natural sound

all at once the thunder spoke

—George Meredith

6

a

: testify

b

: to be indicative or suggestive

his gold … spoke of riches in the land

—Julian Dana

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce

(2)

: to give a recitation of : declaim

b

: to express orally : declare

free to speak their minds

c

: address, accost

especially : hail entry 3

2

: to make known in writing : state

3

: to use or be able to use in speaking

speaks Spanish

4

: to indicate by other than verbal means

5

archaic : describe, depict

speakable

ˈspē-kə-bəl 

adjective

-speak

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noun combining form

ˌspēk

—used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon

Californiaspeak

Phrases

to speak of

: worthy of mention or notice

—usually used in negative constructions

no progress to speak of

Synonyms

Verb

• articulate
• bring out
• enunciate
• pass
• say
• state
• talk
• tell
• utter
• verbalize
• vocalize

Examples of speak in a Sentence

Verb

Have you two spoken since yesterday?

She and I spoke this morning.

He never speaks at the meetings.

Without speaking, she walked from the room.

They were speaking in Japanese.

When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely.

She must be speaking the truth.

Not a word was spoken between them the whole time.

He has laryngitis and can't speak.

She speaks with a Southern accent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 19 Apr. 2024

While speaking with the fiancee, the officer learned about the employee’s belief that a terrorist was following Beck after his trip to Israel. —Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024

Professional backgrounds had been discussed openly since jury selection began, as candidates read answers to a lengthy biographical questionnaire and also spoke about their jobs through voir dire questioning by the prosecution and defense. —Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2024

The former is a more striking criticism of her fans and fame with some of her most biting lyrics that may be referring to the way her fans spoke critically about rumors of her relationship with Matty Healy or the way people discuss her dating history as a whole. —Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

Curley, a former city mayor, got upset that Owens spoke at the opening ceremonies. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2024

As a result, many people who would previously have been institutionalized—those who can’t speak, for example, or move most of their body—are able to communicate and use the internet. —S. I. Rosenbaum, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2024

President Joe Biden, who spoke with Andrés last week, expressed outrage over the World Central Kitchen deaths. —David Jackson, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control that often leaves patients prisoners in their own bodies, unable to move, speak, swallow and, eventually, even breathe. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle

Noun combining form

newspeak

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing speak

• not speak a word
• not speak a word of
• so to speak
• speak for
• speak for themselves
• speak in tongues
• speak of
• speak one's mind
• speak out
• speak/talk of the devil
• speak/talk the same language
• speak/talk with (a) forked tongue
• speak up
• speak volumes
• speak well/poorly for
• the facts speak for themselves
• to speak of

Kids Definition

speak

verb

ˈspēk 

spoke ˈspōk  ; spoken ˈspō-kən  ; speaking

1

: to utter words : talk

2

: to utter in words

speak the truth

3

: to mention in speech or writing

spoke of being ill

4

: to serve as spokesperson

spoke for the group

5

: to express feelings in ways other than by words

actions speak louder than words

6

: to use or be able to use in talking

speaks Spanish

speakable

ˈspē-kə-bəl 

adjective