spoken

1 of 2

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

spoken

2 of 2

past participle of speak

Synonyms of spoken

Adjective

• oral
• verbal

Examples of spoken in a Sentence

Adjective

a spoken agreement is too easily broken

a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While spoken language might benefit us in myriad ways, no single activity requires it, let alone explains what triggered its ongoing evolution over tens to hundreds of thousands of years. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

The soft-spoken grandmother of six was enjoying her retirement as a former econometrician – a specialist who studies the intersection of economics and statistics. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026

Until its revival as an everyday, spoken language in the modern state of Israel, it was mostly reserved for prayers and religious writings. — Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

To the outside observer, the hearing for the soft-spoken man with the graying mustache may have seemed like any other, save for the FBI agents from the public corruption squad sitting in the back. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

past participle of speak

First Known Use

Adjective

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