pep talk

noun

: a usually brief, intense, and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience

Examples of pep talk in a Sentence

The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game.

She needs a pep talk.

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside, a group of a dozen waitstaff, a handful of bartenders and food runners convene for a final pep talk before the doors open. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026

Trump’s pep talk comes at the start of a pivotal year for the president, with elections that will determine control of both the House and Senate. —Alicia Diaz, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026

The pep talk doesn't hit, and Eleven is forced to impale Vecna on a spike, thereby destroying the Mind Flayer as a result of their connection. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Jan. 2026

The outcome was never in doubt as the Bruins (13-1 overall, 3-0 Big Ten) built a 23-point halftime lead over the Nittany Lions (7-7, 0-3) and then got some additional help from freshman forward Sienna Betts, who scored all 10 of her points in the second half after a pep talk from her sister. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pep talk

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk