pep talk

noun

: a usually brief, intense, and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience

Examples of pep talk in a Sentence

The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game.

She needs a pep talk.

Recent Examples on the Web

First baseman Kiké Hernández stepped in to give Díaz a quick pep talk. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Sure enough, two weeks later, Piker flies back to Denver unannounced to give a pep talk to some Kiros canvassers and tag along for last-minute door-knocking. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Social media erupts with mockery as Dem Senate candidate's pep talk goes viral. — FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

The pep talk reminded me of an anecdote Bennett had told me earlier. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pep talk

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk