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
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.
War Machine makes 81’s reluctance to give pep talks, or even try to ingratiate himself with his comrades-in-arms, the subject of one of its very few overt jokes. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026 Notably, too, Payton gave himself a sort of public pep talk during the Broncos’ bye week heading into the playoffs. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026 Asked what made the difference, McNeill said her coach’s passionate halftime pep talk did the trick. Jon Poorman, Houston Chronicle, 24 Feb. 2026 Carmel senior point guard Josie Hartman pulled her teammates together for a pep talk at halftime on Thursday. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pep talk

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pep talk was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pep talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pep%20talk. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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