talk

verb

\ ˈtȯk

talked; talking; talks

Definition of talk

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words

b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) can make a trumpet talk make the computer talk to the printer

2 : to use speech : speak

3a : to speak idly : prate

b : gossip

c : to reveal secret or confidential information

4 : to give a talk : lecture

transitive

1 : to deliver or express in speech : utter

2 : to make the subject of conversation or discourse : discuss talk business

3 : to influence, affect, or cause by talking talked them into going

4 : to use (a language) for conversing or communicating : speak

talk back

: to answer impertinently

talk sense

: to voice rational, logical, or sensible thoughts

talk through one's hat

: to voice irrational, illogical, or erroneous ideas

talk turkey

: to speak frankly or bluntly

talk

noun

Definition of talk (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the act or an instance of talking : speech

2 : a way of speaking : language

3 : pointless or fruitless discussion : verbiage

4 : a formal discussion, negotiation, or exchange of views —often used in plural

5a : mention, report

b : rumor, gossip

6 : the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip it's the talk of the town

7a : address, lecture

b : written analysis or discussion presented in an informal or conversational manner

8 : communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk bird talk

Other Words from talk Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about talk

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Examples of talk in a Sentence

Verb

She never talks at the meetings. He did most of the talking during dinner. He loves to hear himself talk. I think she's talking a lot of nonsense. I can't talk right now. I'm running late. They were talking in Spanish. We talked on the phone until midnight. Both sides in the dispute are now willing to talk. They are in the conference room talking business. She had laryngitis and couldn't talk.

Noun

the noted author's talk on the state of the modern novel what good will all this talk do when we need to take action now?

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

That's when everything people will be talking about tomorrow happened. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "The This Is Us Season 3 Finale Had So Many Big Reveals," 3 Apr. 2019 Another thing that's less talked about is that living with chronic pain as an entrepreneur is a huge obstacle and can have such a devastating impact. — Vogue, "Sea of Shoes’ Jane Aldridge on Her Battle With Endometriosis—And How She’s Coping With Chronic Pain," 1 Apr. 2019 Design by Morgan McMullen First dance songs are important, but what's more important—and will ultimately determine whether or not your friends are talking about anything else besides the food six months later—is the music during the reception. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "The Best 2019 Wedding Songs for the First Dance and the Reception," 29 Mar. 2019 Severance and Van Alen dismissed these announcements as nothing more than builders talking big. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "A Friendship Turned to Rivalry. A Feud That Changed the New York Skyline.," 27 Mar. 2019 From our demo, Mitsoda clearly has a great love for both source material and setting, talking at length about how the World of Darkness might work in 2019. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "15 years later, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is finally happening," 21 Mar. 2019 Bringing up an argument too often can lead to talking in circles, not a resolution. — Caitlin Moscatello, Woman's Day, "10 Things You Should Never Do After a Fight With Your Partner," 20 Feb. 2019 There's a key moment that Jemison has talked about in interviews and in her own book about how one of her school teachers dismissed Jemison's desire to be an astronaut. — Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, "Without question, these are 2018’s best space books for kids," 29 Dec. 2018 But the latest talked-about spot is Fauna, opened in 2017 at slick winery-hotel Bruma. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Next Great Food Scene, Beach Town, and More: The 2019 Trends We're Calling Now," 18 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Trump administration’s demand that punitive tariffs remain to ensure Beijing enacts genuine overhauls has emerged as one of the biggest sticking points, as U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators opened new face-to-face talks aimed at a deal. — Bob Davis, WSJ, "Tariffs Take Center Stage in U.S.-China Trade Talks," 3 Apr. 2019 Angelina Jolie is reportedly in talks to star in Marvel's upcoming superhero movie The Eternals, although her potential role in the film is not yet known. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Angelina Jolie Could Be Starring in a Marvel Superhero Movie," 28 Mar. 2019 Trump’s hour-long talk to Senate Republicans touched on trade, foreign policy and a vote later in the day on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal, which the Senate declined to take up. — Laurie Kellman, The Seattle Times, "Trump takes victory lap; parties start to pivot past Russia," 27 Mar. 2019 In a flashback scene to Randall and Beth's wedding, a younger Kevin is helping talk through Randall's wedding vows. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Beth and Randall Aside, 'This Is Us' Fans Are Erupting Over Kevin Last Night," 27 Mar. 2019 There’s an outdoor modern dance performance and a riveting talk in one of the mausoleum’s reception halls about historic restoration. — Klara Glowczewska, Town & Country, "Can Egypt Convince the World That It Is Starting Over?," 19 Mar. 2019 Over masala chai, the talk turns to Alexander Calder, an artist Aram has admired his entire career. — Whitney Robinson, ELLE Decor, "Tour Michael Aram's two stunning homes in India," 12 Mar. 2019 Nunziata came out of their talk not only believing his longtime friend, but liking and trusting Cunningham more as a person. — Alexander Huls, Popular Mechanics, "The Great Star Wars Heist," 7 Mar. 2019 Perfect for a confident, relaxing stroll on the brambly path outside your Reykjavik Airbnb before your Scandinavian TED talk. — Amanda Duarte, Town & Country, "An Etiquette Guide for the New Pot Elite," 14 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'talk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.