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

The stadium announcer can be heard telling fans about some sort of promotion, so that might have been the impetus for Kelce’s Big Mac pep talk. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Sensing others might also be feeling glum, Ted delivers a pep talk about how crying is okay in football. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Witness the reaction to the 19-year-old’s sparky cameo against Arsenal at the weekend, which prompted former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge to issue something like a pep talk on live television. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Top Plays The Dolphins’ offense started so rough during the 11-on-11 portion of practice Willis gathered the unit up midway through a session and gave them a pep talk. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

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