conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
1
a(1)
: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas
… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an instance of such exchange : talk
a quiet conversation
b
: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups
conversations among the senators
c
: an exchange similar to conversation
We had a conversation by email.
2
obsolete : conduct, behavior
conversational adjective
conversationally adverb

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie? We got into a long conversation about his behavior. They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics. The topic came up in conversation. They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me. He kept trying to engage me in conversation. She's skilled in the art of conversation. an interesting topic of conversation We had a conversation by e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web Longtime Republican strategist Sarah Longwell and conservative radio host and writer Charlie Sykes will moderate the events, which are billed as conversations, according to a senior campaign official granted anonymity to preview the schedule. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 On a recent evening, the window was open to the fall breeze, and music and conversation spilled out onto the street. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024 It is expressed through our actions, conversations and relationships. Peggy O’Neal Faith Matters, arkansasonline.com, 19 Oct. 2024 But the conversation encapsulated a dilemma for the Fed: If inflation is on the run, why are interest rates still so high? Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conversation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conversation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conversation

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

conversation

noun
con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
: talking or a talk between two or more people
conversational
-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
conversationally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conversation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!