conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
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 adjective
conversationally adverb

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

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
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.
Now, thanks to a team at the University of California, Davis, there's a new brain-computer interface (BCI) system that's opening up real-time, natural conversation for people who can't speak. Staff, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 The list sparked some conversation in the comments section as fans rushed to agree and reflect on some of the treats that have been lost to the past. Michael Nied, People.com, 5 July 2025 In headlines, social feeds and casual conversations, narratives about cities can shift quickly. Glenn Eden, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 The album has challenged music industry norms and sparked important conversations pertaining to the intersection of race and country music. Caché McClay, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for conversation

Word History

Etymology

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

conversation

noun
con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
: talking or a talk between two or more people
conversational
-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
conversationally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conversation

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