speak

1 of 2

verb

ˈspēk 

spoke ˈspōk  ; spoken ˈspō-kən  ; speaking

intransitive verb

1

a

: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk

b(1)

: to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally

(2)

: to extend a greeting

(3)

: to be friendly enough to engage in conversation

still were not speaking after the dispute

c(1)

: to express oneself before a group

(2)

: to address one's remarks

speak to the issue

2

a

: to make a written statement

… his diaries … spoke … of his entrancement with death.

—Sy Kahn

b

: to use such an expression

—often used in the phrase so to speak

… was at the enemy's gates, so to speak.

—C. S. Forester

c

: to serve as spokesperson

3

a

: to express feelings by other than verbal means

actions speak louder than words

b

: signal

c

: to be interesting or attractive : appeal

… great music … speaks directly to the emotions …

—A. N. Whitehead

4

: to make a request or claim

—used with for

—usually used in passive constructions

the seat was already spoken for

5

: to make a characteristic or natural sound

All at once the thunder spoke.

—George Meredith

6

a

: testify

b

: to be indicative or suggestive

… his gold … spoke of riches in the land …

—Julian Dana

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce

(2)

: to give a recitation of : declaim

b

: to express orally : declare

free to speak their minds

c

: address, accost

especially : hail entry 3

2

: to make known in writing : state

3

: to use or be able to use in speaking

speaks Spanish

4

: to indicate by other than verbal means

5

archaic : describe, depict

speakable

ˈspē-kə-bəl 

adjective

see also:

to speak of

-speak

2 of 2

noun combining form

ˌspēk

—used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon

Californiaspeak

Synonyms of speak

Verb

• say
• talk
• tell
• utter
• discuss
• share

Examples of speak in a Sentence

Verb

Have you two spoken since yesterday?

She and I spoke this morning.

He never speaks at the meetings.

Without speaking, she walked from the room.

They were speaking in Japanese.

When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely.

She must be speaking the truth.

Not a word was spoken between them the whole time.

He has laryngitis and can't speak.

She speaks with a Southern accent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Schmitz spoke highly of Willis during an offseason appearance on the Highway 49 Podcast, highlighting the returning linebacker as a player to watch, as well as a litany of returnees on Nate Faanes’ defense. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026

The meeting was private, and no cameras were allowed, so attendees could speak freely. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Some residents that spoke to WBZ-TV were skeptical that bike lanes would make a big difference. —Logan Hall, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Residents opposed to the commercial flights spoke during public comments at Tuesday’s Carlsbad City Council meeting. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle

Noun combining form

newspeak

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing speak

• not speak a word
• not speak a word of
• so to speak
• speak for
• speak for themselves
• speak in tongues
• speak of
• speak one's mind
• speak-out
• speak/talk of the devil
• speak/talk the same language
• speak/talk with (a) forked tongue
• speak up
• speak volumes
• speak well/poorly for
• the facts speak for themselves
• to speak of

Rhymes for speak

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• angelique
• dominique
• fenugreek
• politique
• veronique
• antique

Kids Definition

speak

verb

ˈspēk 

spoke ˈspōk  ; spoken ˈspō-kən  ; speaking

1

: to utter words : talk

2

: to utter in words

speak the truth

3

: to mention in speech or writing

spoke of being ill

4

: to serve as spokesperson

spoke for the group

5

: to express feelings in ways other than by words

actions speak louder than words

6

: to use or be able to use in talking

speaks Spanish

speakable

ˈspē-kə-bəl 

adjective