spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: delivered by word of mouth : oral

2

: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner

—used in combination

soft-spoken

plainspoken

Synonyms of spoken

• oral
• verbal

Examples of spoken in a Sentence

a spoken agreement is too easily broken

a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Recent Examples on the Web

In a speech at times reminiscent of spoken word poetry, Désir explained that Vodou was practiced by the slaves as a way to process their survival and challenge European colonialism. —Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

Her spoken word offers high-energy delivery and emotional depth that is sometimes performed a cappella and at times, over an instrumental beat. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025

This is especially true in spoken communication. —Ross Benjamin, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

Bring the excitement off the screen and into the real world with this fun hide and seek figure, which encourages active play with a timer and spoken clues to lead kids to her hiding spot. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spoken

• be spoken for
• fair-spoken
• free-spoken
• short-spoken
• softly-spoken
• soft-spoken
• well-spoken

Rhymes for spoken

• broken
• oaken
• token
• woken
• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• outspoken
• unbroken
• unspoken

Kids Definition

spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: given by or using speech

a spoken message

the spoken language

2

: speaking in a specified manner

soft-spoken

plainspoken