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

These echoes of dance music’s past inject new life into the 25-year-old British artist’s soft-spoken oeuvre. —Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026

Each song seems to have an extra moment—a 4th-wall breaking intro, a spoken word outro, a second bridge—that feels like a hat on a hat, or even a hat on top of two hats. —Brendan Hay, SPIN, 30 Mar. 2026

Whereas listening to a spoken explanation requires sustained attention and is subject to interpretation, a flowchart presents information objectively. —William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026

Nominated for Grammys in 2025 and 2026 for his spoken word poetry albums, Hardwick continues to be repped by Strand Entertainment, Vydia for music management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Mar. 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