spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: delivered by word of mouth : oral

2

: characterized by speaking in (such) a manner

—used in combination

soft-spoken

plainspoken

Synonyms of spoken

• oral
• verbal

Examples of spoken in a Sentence

a spoken agreement is too easily broken

a politician who knows the power of the spoken word

Recent Examples on the Web

Love turns 85 next month, and his soft-spoken manner in his museum soliloquy was touching to many of those in the audience, even some of those not normally inclined to favor his point of view on disputes that have been part of Beach Boys lore over the decades. —Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

Speaking through tears Saturday, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader, thanked supporters who braved a downpour. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026

The soft-spoken Stolz acknowledged that, yes, his aims are high, and, sure, he is flattered by the comparisons to Heiden. —Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026

Hip-hop and rap is a spoken word art. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

past participle of speak

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spoken

• be spoken for
• fair-spoken
• free-spoken
• short-spoken
• softly-spoken
• soft-spoken
• well-spoken

Rhymes for spoken

• broken
• oaken
• token
• woken
• awoken
• betoken
• heartbroken
• outspoken
• unbroken
• unspoken

Kids Definition

spoken

adjective

spo·​ken ˈspō-kən 

1

: given by or using speech

a spoken message

the spoken language

2

: speaking in a specified manner

soft-spoken

plainspoken