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

The Suite incorporates spoken word pieces as well, by professor and former Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Chief Stacey LaForme and Hearn’s uncle Neil O’Donnell, a geologist, among others. —Gary Graff, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025

And as the show wrapped up in Seattle, Shatner closed things out with one of his unique spoken-word songs, accompanied by trumpeter Keyon Harrold. —Luke Burbank, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025

In a speech at times reminiscent of spoken word poetry, Désir explained that Vodou was practiced by the slaves as a way to process their survival and challenge European colonialism. —Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

Her spoken word offers high-energy delivery and emotional depth that is sometimes performed a cappella and at times, over an instrumental beat. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025

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