spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
Synonyms of spokennext
1
: delivered by word of mouth : oral
2
: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner
used in combination
soft-spoken
plainspoken

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
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.
The goal is to help grow poetry, literature and spoken word locally. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 The feminine advantage, beginning with the first spoken word, increases with age, according to recent researches in the language development of preschool children, girls being first to employ phrases and using longer sentences. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026 The signs often occur in patterns — such as line, line, line or cross, cross, cross — which is not common in spoken language, according to the researchers. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026 Based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play, and starring Joseph Fiennes as the kind, quiet spoken Southgate. John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoken

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoken was in 1560

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoken. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

spoken

adjective
spo·​ken ˈspō-kən How to pronounce spoken (audio)
1
: given by or using speech
a spoken message
the spoken language
2
: speaking in a specified manner
soft-spoken
plainspoken

More from Merriam-Webster on spoken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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