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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nick Halic leaned forward, his hand touching the head of senior Charles Eleri while offering a pep talk. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026 This pep talk proves to be remarkably effective. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 The Trojans, in good spirits after Meade’s pep talk, disembarked and filed into the 24-year-old stadium tucked neatly between Memorial Gymnasium and FirstBank Stadium on the western edge of Vanderbilt’s urban campus. Mitch Light, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Notably, too, Payton gave himself a sort of public pep talk during the Broncos’ bye week heading into the playoffs. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pep talk

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pep talk was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pep talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pep%20talk. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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