talkative

adjective

talk·​a·​tive ˈtȯ-kə-tiv How to pronounce talkative (audio)
: given to talking
also : full of talk
talkatively adverb
talkativeness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for talkative

talkative, loquacious, garrulous, voluble mean given to talk or talking.

talkative may imply a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation.

a talkative neighbor

loquacious suggests the power of expressing oneself articulately, fluently, or glibly.

a loquacious spokesperson

garrulous implies prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity.

garrulous traveling companions

voluble suggests a free, easy, and unending loquacity.

a voluble raconteur

Example Sentences

Their little boy is very talkative. She was in a talkative mood.
Recent Examples on the Web Thomas, an associate justice of the US Supreme Court, was once notorious for his silence during the court’s oral arguments, but in recent years has become quite talkative. Quartz, 1 Mar. 2023 In the 1960s Yeshiva University child psychologist Boris Levinson observed that troubled, socially withdrawn children became talkative and enthusiastic about therapy when his dog, Jingles, was present during a session. Daisy Yuhas, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2015 Precise, talkative, but almost never emotional, Tech is often an inadvertent source of comic relief because of his complete inability to relate to anyone on human terms. Lauren Morgan, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2023 Unusually talkative or hyper? Irritable or quick to anger? Karen Garciastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2023 Keke Palmer arguably steals the show as Kaluuya’s talkative and fearless sister, Emerald Haywood. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2023 What to say when someone lobs a horrible comment your way over holiday dinner, according to experts Extroverts, on the other hand, are talkative, enthusiastic and more social. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Dec. 2022 He was known as a friendly, talkative customer who asked about their children and otherwise engaged them in conversation. Jacqueline L. Salmon, Washington Post, 31 Dec. 2022 Give them specific action steps to take moving forward such as encouraging 1-on-1s with newer employees or sparking conversation with less-talkative employees during work events. Rhett Power, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of talkative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near talkative

Cite this Entry

“Talkative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talkative. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

talkative

adjective
talk·​a·​tive ˈtȯ-kət-iv How to pronounce talkative (audio)
: fond of talking
talkativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on talkative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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