Definition of talk
intransitive verb
1a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken wordsb : 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 : prateb : gossipc : 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
talker
nountalk back
talk sense
talk through one's hat
talk turkey
From the M-W Editors
Examples of talk in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of talk
Middle English; akin to Old English talu tale
talk
Definition of talk
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
6 : the topic of interested comment, conversation, or gossip it's the talk of the town
7a : address, lectureb : written analysis or discussion presented in an informal or conversational manner
8 : communicative sounds or signs resembling or functioning as talk bird talk
Examples of talk in a Sentence
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?
First Known Use of talk
14th century
TALK Defined for English Language Learners
talk
playDefinition of talk for English Language Learners
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: to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone
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: to have a conversation or discussion with someone
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: to have a conversation about (something)
talk
Definition of talk for English Language Learners
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: an occurrence in which one person talks about something with another person : a conversation or discussion
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: the act of talking formally about something before a group of people : a speech or lecture
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: a formal discussion between two or more groups that are trying to reach an agreement about something
TALK Defined for Kids
Definition of talk for Students
talked
;talking
1 : to express in speech : speak You're talking too fast.
2 : to speak about : discuss They're talking business.
3 : to cause or influence with words I talked them into agreeing.
4 : to use a certain language They were talking Spanish.
5 : to exchange ideas by means of spoken words : converse Let's sit and talk.
6 : to pass on information other than by speaking Can you talk with your hands?
7 : 2gossip If you act that way, people will talk.
8 : to reveal secret information Officials forced the spy to talk.
talker
nountalk over
Definition of talk for Students
1 : the act or an instance of speaking with someone We had a talk.
2 : a way of speaking : language
3 : conference
4 : 1rumor Has there been talk of war?
5 : the topic of comment or gossip The President's visit is the talk of the town.
6 : an informal address The coach gave us a talk to raise our spirits.
Learn More about talk
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See words that rhyme with talk Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for talk Spanish Central: Translation of talk Nglish: Translation of talk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of talk for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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