Word of the Day

: November 2, 2009

voluble

adjective VAHL-yuh-bul

What It Means

1 : easily rolling or turning : rotating

2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : glib, fluent

voluble in Context

The young man proved to be a voluble informer who would tell stories of bookies, smugglers, and hit men to the detectives for hours.

Did You Know?

English has many terms for gabby types, but it's important to choose the right word to get across what kind of chatterbox you mean. "Talkative" usually implies a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation. "Loquacious" generally suggests the power to express oneself fluently, articulately, or glibly, but it can also mean "talking excessively." "Garrulous" is even stronger in its suggestion of excessive talkativeness; it is most often used for tedious, rambling talkers. "Voluble" describes an individual who speaks easily and often.