speak

1 of 2

verb

spoke ˈspōk How to pronounce speak (audio) ; spoken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce speak (audio) ; 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 deathSy Kahn
b
: to use such an expression
often used in the phrase so to speak
was at the enemy's gates, so to speakC. 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 emotionsA. 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 spokeGeorge Meredith
6
a
b
: to be indicative or suggestive
his gold … spoke of riches in the landJulian 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 adjective

-speak

2 of 2

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

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
During the discussion, the participants also spoke about the important role that the European Investment Bank will play to boost investments in the defense industry. Jorge Valero, Bloomberg.com, 14 Mar. 2024 Say no to anyone who wants to speak on your behalf. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The Golden Globe award-winning actress spoke exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2023 about the project. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Jones first spoke with Nicole and her mother that Monday. Carolyn Van Houten, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Nearly everyone who spoke advocated for more comprehensive support, including improving mental health services, extending hotel vouchers and providing basic necessities. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 But in citing Brown, Roberts spoke generically of race, rarely mentioning Black people and ignoring the fact that this earlier ruling struck down segregation because race had been used to subordinate them. Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not publicly authorized to discuss the talks. Samy Magdy, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2024 Jackson Heights is known for being one of the most culturally diverse areas in the Big Apple, and Zoe touched on this in a video about holiday traditions, speaking their neighbors being from China, Bangladesh, Poland and Colombia. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speak.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near speak

Cite this Entry

“Speak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak

verb
spoke ˈspōk How to pronounce speak (audio) ; spoken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce speak (audio) ; 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on speak

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