strike up a conversation

idiom

: to enter into a conversation
I tried to strike up a conversation, but didn't have much luck.
often + with
She often strikes up conversations with strangers.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For a third time, take action and don’t be scared to strike up a conversation. Jason Hennessey, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2022 Later, Dani and Flora strike up a conversation at the gravesite of the young child's parents. Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, 23 Sep. 2020 Situated near the Enfield/East Windsor line on 1658 King St., The Yarde Tavern has become a popular destination over the last decade for locals looking to grab a pint and strike up a conversation. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2023 Here's a cool way to strike up a conversation with your guests: a handmade serving tray. Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 30 Sep. 2022 Amazon's Echo devices often include some Prime Day bargains for people who strike up a conversation with the digital assistant. Chris Morris, Fortune, 11 July 2022 Get outside of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 The third episode follows two attractive strangers named Michael (Kit Harington) and Paula (Lucy Boynton), who strike up a conversation on a train in Ireland, which is preparing for a two-week lockdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2021 Straight time doesn’t value falling asleep in the sun, the floaty euphoria of bobbing in the water near strangers long enough to catch eyes and strike up a conversation. Jenna Wortham, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strike up a conversation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near strike up a conversation

Cite this Entry

“Strike up a conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strike%20up%20a%20conversation. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!