conversation

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

Synonyms of conversation

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

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

The online conversations erupted in the past 24 hours and come as Chinese authorities are trying a range of policy measures to boost the country’s flagging birth rate, which has been falling for decades, to offset an ageing population. —Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

The revelations get familial, psychological, and stunning, as do Joudrey’s conversations with the kidnapper, now in prison. —Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

Through meticulous reporting, the series reveals the complex operations behind modern scams, featuring stories of victims and scammers, while prompting global conversations among leaders in technology and policy to address this escalating crisis. —Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Since the 1970s, consumers have become increasingly aware of fashion’s environmental and social impact, sparking broader conversations around sustainability. —Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2026

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

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