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

• nuncupative
• oral
• unwritten
• verbal
• viva voce
• word-of-mouth

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

The 90-minute story is told entirely through contemporary dance without a single spoken word. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 18 July 2024

Gemini allows Google’s robot to parse visual instructions as well as spoken ones, following a sketch on a whiteboard that shows a route to a new destination. —Will Knight, WIRED, 11 July 2024

Or is actual spoken communication saved for date two? —Shani Silver, refinery29.com, 28 June 2024

Because there is no physical presence and no spoken words, power presents itself by holding back. —Peter H. Schwartz, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024

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

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