conversation

1 of 2

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən 

1

a(1)

: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas

… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.

—Samuel Johnson

(2)

: an instance of such exchange : talk

a quiet conversation

b

: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups

conversations among the senators

c

: an exchange similar to conversation

We had a conversation by email.

2

obsolete : conduct, behavior

conversational

ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

conversationally adverb

conversational

2 of 2

adjective

con·​ver·​sa·​tion·​al ¦kän-vər-¦sā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

1

: inclined to converse : fond of or given to conversation

2

: of, for, characteristic of, or suited to conversation or oral communication

written in an easy informal conversational style

a conversational method of teaching by question and answer

conversational talent

conversationally adverb

Synonyms of conversation

Noun

• discussion
• converse
• exchange
• discourse
• chat
• dialogue

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Noun

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie?

We got into a long conversation about his behavior.

They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics.

The topic came up in conversation.

They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me.

He kept trying to engage me in conversation.

She's skilled in the art of conversation.

an interesting topic of conversation

We had a conversation by e-mail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After some back and forth about who was in the wrong, the conversation ultimately becomes about Vicki continuing to put herself on an island and keep everybody at a distance. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Those records inspire some of the most candid moments of JAŸ-Z in 8, the eight-part HBO documentary that revisits Jay-Z’s life, catalog, and legacy through extended sit-down conversations with producer Rick Rubin. — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2026

His pre-work recommendation involves laying groundwork for a positive, beneficial conversation in advance. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Bela Bajaria, who grew up in North London, not far from Wembley, the site of England’s last World Cup success in 1966, wants Netflix to be in the conversation for the rights to the biggest soccer tournament in the world. — Peter White, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing conversation

• carry on a conversation
• conversation piece
• criminal conversation
• hold a quiet conversation
• make conversation
• strike up a conversation

Rhymes for conversation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən 

: talking or a talk between two or more people

conversational

-ˈsā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

conversationally

-ē

adverb